Generational Language on Social Media: The New Frontier of Slang in TikTok
In today’s digital playground, the vibrant city of New York has become a melting pot of intergenerational dialogue, thanks largely to the rise of TikTok. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through the app, you’ve probably come across videos of older folks trying to “get down” with Gen Z slang. You know the type—an older person, likely a baby boomer, enthusiastically gesturing while throwing around phrases like “It’s giving” or “No cap.” It’s not just a few isolated cases either; these delightful and often cringeworthy videos have gone viral, racking up nearly 4,000 uploads and millions of views.
The Inevitable Mid-Age Linguistic Hand-Me-Down
Seeing a boomer riffing on the latest slang first popularized by Gen Z can feel like watching a parent attempt to fit in at a teenager’s party. Sure, it’s cute, but a lot of younger folks can’t help but think: is this the end of our secret language? Plus, many of these terms aren’t even new! For example, phrases like “slay” and “serving” have roots that reach back decades, evolving from Black and Latinx ball culture, eventually filtering into popular culture thanks to shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
In fact, this generational meme isn’t merely cute; it highlights a larger conversation about how language evolves and shifts across different age groups. While terms like “rizz,” which was named the Oxford English Dictionary’s word of the year in 2023, have found new life, using it in contexts far removed from its origin—like marketing videos—can feel a bit off.
Razor-sharp Generational Wit
Intergenerational banter has always existed, especially online. Remember the catchphrase “OK boomer” that took off in 2019? It was a call-out from Gen Z to boomers, expressing frustration at being undervalued. The word helped stoke a frenzy of online exchanges, all swirling into this vibrant, sometimes contentious mix of generational humor. Millennials, long tired of their post-2008 crisis rollercoaster, sat back and watched as Gen Z took the reins, shaping online culture like they were born to do it.
But it didn’t stop there; the latest turns of phrase have shifted focus to Gen X, often regarded as the generation that wasn’t to be messed with. Latchkey kids who grew up to find their voices have learned to guard them fiercely, holding their own in the digital arena.
The TikTok Marketing Meltdown
What’s particularly interesting is how the rise of TikTok has led to boomers and Gen Xers not just participating in this dialogue, but co-opting Gen Z’s slang for marketing. Balancing earnestness with a touch of comedy, these trendsetting older generations attempt to tap into the youth culture with a playful spin, albeit it can feel somewhat antithetical to their often anti-capitalist sentiments.
Just a few months back, the viral sensation was asking Gen Z staffers to edit videos, which resulted in quick-cut compilations highlighting their cringeworthy pauses and hesitation. This reflects a different animus entirely—now, everyone feels comfortable jumping in on TikTok, showing that generational divides are a fading memory.
The Language Conundrum
Language often flourishes online but can also lose its essence. When older generations try to adopt younger slang, it raises the question of who’s really laughing. Researchers are even exploring the use of AI to create songs that sound like our favorite artists—another layer of linguistic play at work.
All Generations’ Flatline Language
