Generation Alpha, commonly referred to as Gen Alpha, is the latest generation to join the online community and has already gained massive popularity across a wide range of social media platforms. For what, you may ask? Their slang.
“I personally feel like [the rise of Gen Alpha Slang] is because of our attachment to the internet, and that’s why we’re so stuck up on these new slang words. I personally don’t care much,” said freshman TJ Ighalo. “But sometimes, it does get a bit overwhelming.”
Social media users often find themselves repeating terms heard on popular platforms like Instagram and TikTok. New slang terms emerge extremely often, making it hard to keep up.
“It’s funny, but sometimes I’m sick of hearing these words 24/7,” said freshman Jiane Canlas.
“Most of the time, I don’t know what they mean.”
According to BYU, “Slang refers to language particular to a specific group, meaning that it can effectively function as a secret code that people use to communicate with each other. While new slang terms might sound strange or even absurd to those who don’t use those terms, slang creates a sense of belonging among those who do.” Lately, they’ve evolved into Generation Alpha inside jokes.
“I actually find it funny, [it personally] doesn’t affect my personal life much, plus, I even use it myself,” said Ighalo. “I don’t have much of a reason; I just use it because I find it humorous.”
Some current Gen Alpha slang words include, “Sigma, Skibidi, and Mewing.” Different teachers handle slang in different ways. For example, slang is not appropriate in a formal essay.
“We have determined that slang is not appropriate [on English assignments], and therefore, not allowed,” said English Teacher, Mrs. Laura E. Todorovic.
But Todorovic notes that slang is acceptable in certain circumstances.
“I think that if teachers and parents don’t know the meanings of these words, they can be seen as more negative than they actually are,” said Todorovic. “I don’t think that Gen Alpha slang is damaging to a home or classroom if there is conversation occurring between the kids and adults.”
Although some believe that Gen Alpha slang is overused and unnecessary, each generation has had its own “it words.”
