The Rise of Gen Z Slang: The Linguistic and Cultural Significance of Gen Z Slang

An excerpt from a dissertation I contributed to, analyzing the evolution and cultural significance of Gen Z slang.

Social media has become an omnipresent force, much like the pervasive surveillance depicted in Orwell’s 1984. With the advent of the internet and Web 2.0, social media platforms have supplanted traditional modes of communication, interconnecting a global population of 8.1 billion. However, within this vast network of connectivity, certain linguistic phenomena are perceived as disruptive or even detrimental to the English language. One such phenomenon is slang—an ostensibly simple term that encapsulates a complex and evolving relationship with linguistic tradition. Despite its controversial nature, slang has persisted across generations and has been acknowledged by linguists as a significant aspect of language evolution. The proliferation of social media, particularly TikTok, has accelerated the development and dissemination of slang in the past decade.

Slang, broadly defined as informal language characterized by unconventional vocabulary and expressions, exemplifies the dynamic and adaptive nature of linguistic change. The evolution of language is neither novel nor incidental; it is a well-documented phenomenon in historical linguistics and sociolinguistics. Language undergoes transformation due to a confluence of social, cognitive, and cultural factors. Social dynamics, including technological advancements, migration, globalization, and intercultural interactions, serve as catalysts for linguistic innovation and lexical borrowing. Additionally, cognitive processes such as analogy and regularization contribute to linguistic shifts by simplifying or standardizing irregular patterns. The interaction between distinct speech communities further facilitates linguistic evolution, fostering the diffusion of lexical, phonological, and grammatical features. Moreover, language adapts to the communicative needs of its speakers, leading to the emergence of neologisms and semantic shifts while rendering archaic forms obsolete.

William Labov’s sociolinguistic theory provides a critical framework for understanding language variation across different social contexts and demographic groups. He introduced the concept of linguistic variables—features of language that fluctuate based on social class, ethnicity, gender, and age. While linguistic change occurs at varying rates across different languages, English exhibits a particularly rapid evolution due to its status as the global lingua franca and its pervasive presence on digital platforms.

The dominance of English on the internet is undeniable, yet language is inherently fluid—it evolves, adapts, and conforms to the communicative needs of its users. This continuous evolution explains why contemporary speakers do not use the English of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Beowulf, or Proto-Indo-European. Only languages that have ceased to be spoken, such as Classical Greek and Latin, remain unchanged. However, linguistic change is not merely a process of erosion; it also fosters creativity. TikTok, in particular, has cultivated an environment conducive to linguistic innovation.

TikTok was introduced in September 2016 when the Chinese technology company ByteDance launched Douyin for the domestic market. In 2017, the international version, TikTok, was released, rapidly gaining traction, particularly among younger audiences. The platform’s distinctive format—short, engaging videos paired with algorithm-driven content recommendations—propelled its exponential growth. By 2020, TikTok had emerged as one of the most downloaded applications globally, fueled in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified users’ engagement with digital entertainment. Its intuitive interface, creative tools, and viral nature have solidified its status as the leading social media platform among Generation Z (Gen Z).

Gen Z, defined as individuals born approximately between the late 1990s and early 2010s, constitutes the first generation of true digital natives. This demographic is not only the largest generational cohort in human history but is also poised to contribute 1.3 billion individuals to the global workforce within the next decade. Despite the diversity of Gen Z, one unifying characteristic is their engagement with slang.

This study seeks to examine the prevalence and function of slang among Gen Z, investigating the factors driving its emergence, the linguistic mechanisms that facilitate its formation, its frequency of use, and its broader implications. The research will explore whether slang constitutes a transient linguistic trend, a potential threat to linguistic integrity, or simply an organic mode of expression for contemporary youth. Does the proliferation of slang signify the decline of formal English, or does it merely reflect the natural evolution of language? Is Gen Z’s linguistic repertoire a cause for concern, or does it merely represent a generational shift in communication norms?

Fundamentally, language serves as a tool for social cohesion, enabling individuals to establish a sense of belonging within their communities. Whether one is a teenager or an octogenarian, a remote worker on Zoom or a resident in an urban apartment, the need for connection remains universal.

This research employs a descriptive methodology utilizing quantitative analysis. The primary corpus comprises TikTok posts, particularly comment sections, which serve as a data source for examining contemporary slang usage. Additional insights will be gathered through survey questionnaires distributed via the Reddit platform to assess Gen Z’s perceptions and self-reported usage of slang. Furthermore, content analysis of the most-watched, liked, and followed TikTok creators will provide empirical evidence regarding the prevalence and patterns of slang. The study will also analyze semantic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical shifts to contextualize these linguistic trends.

To further enrich this study, dynamic content such as screenshots, videos, and memes will be incorporated to illustrate the context in which slang operates. Just as pigeons and telegrams once served as communication tools, the medium through which messages are conveyed evolves across generations, yet their fundamental purpose remains unchanged: to bridge communication and facilitate understanding.

Rather than perceiving Gen Z’s slang as an external or disruptive force within the English language, it should be recognized as a natural extension of its evolution. The exchange of linguistic knowledge between older and younger generations fosters intergenerational dialogue and enhances social dynamics.

This study also seeks to address critical questions regarding slang, particularly the issue of wrongful appropriation. A compelling example is provided by an SNL (Saturday Night Live) sketch titled Gen Z Hospital, which aired on May 9, 2021. SNL, a renowned American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels, has been a cultural touchstone since its premiere on NBC in 1975. Through satirical sketches, musical performances, and celebrity hosts, the show often reflects contemporary societal trends and linguistic shifts.

In Gen Z Hospital, a group of friends anxiously awaits updates on an injured patient, communicating entirely in Gen Z slang. Their exaggerated use of terms such as bro, bestie, and pressed—juxtaposed with the dramatic hospital setting—creates a humorous yet revealing portrayal of generational linguistic differences. The skit’s virality underscores both the comedic appeal and the broader implications of slang in contemporary discourse. As the scene unfolds, the comedic effect intensifies when the doctor delivers distressing news, triggering an exaggerated and slang-infused reaction from the group:

“You’re capping!” “Unfortunately, no cap, she’s literally dead right now.”
“So she’s laughing? That’s good news.”
“No, I mean she’s literally dead, like dead-dead.”

While the humor lies in the absurdity of their reactions, the sketch also highlights a significant linguistic phenomenon. The widespread use of slang—particularly elements borrowed from African American Vernacular English (AAVE)—has reignited discussions on cultural appropriation and linguistic ownership. Labov’s Theory of Language Variation provides a framework for understanding how language both reflects and constructs social identity, reinforcing the importance of cultural and racial contexts in linguistic evolution.

To encapsulate the complexity of slang, Gyles Brandreth, in Have You Eaten Grandma?, offers a compelling metaphor for language development:

“Looking at the English language today is like looking out over the city of London from the top of Big Ben. Spread below you, you will see old buildings that have stood the test of time and have a beauty and grandeur that lift the spirit. And alongside them, often dwarfing them, you will see new buildings, too, and you will think that some of them are striking and inspiring and that some are monstrously ugly and should never have been put up in the first place. The landscape of the English language is much the same.”

Slang, much like the architectural landscape, is subject to both admiration and critique. While some view it as a degradation of linguistic standards, others appreciate its creativity and cultural significance. Regardless of perspective, one truth remains: slang has persisted across generations and will continue to evolve. Its primary function—to foster a sense of belonging among speakers—ensures its ongoing adaptation, bridging not only generations but also cultural divides.

Image source: https://www.kittl.com/article/80-gen-z-slang-words-and-how-to-use-them