Welcome to the TikTok Cycle: How Generational Slang Has Become the New Norm
In the vibrant city of New York, a fascinating new trend is bubbling up on TikTok, and it’s turning heads and raising eyebrows across generations. Picture this: an older person, possibly a boomer, engages animatedly with the camera, tossing around phrases like “northumberland zoo hits different” and “it’s giving slay.” As bizarre as it may sound, these are just snippets of the latest craze where older generations try their hand at the slang of the younger crowd—specifically, Gen Z.
What’s Going On? A TikTok Trend Unfolds
To date, there are nearly 4,000 videos featuring older folks trying to decode and deliver Gen Z slang, and they’ve racked up millions of views! You might find this trend to be hilarious or cringeworthy, but either way, it’s hard to ignore the signals this sends about linguistic evolution. After all, we all know that once someone over 35 picks up our slang, it feels like the end of an era! Maybe it should be. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Much of this slang isn’t actually new to the scene. Terms like “it’s giving,” “slay,” and “serving” have been deeply rooted in Black and Latinx ball culture for decades, long before they became mainstream through shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The Intergenerational Tug-of-War
There’s something about language that brings both connection and division, and we see this starkly in the digital world. Gen Z is unapologetically carving out its online presence, sometimes looking down on Gen X for its apparent lack of understanding or adaptation. Conversely, Gen X—much like the seasoned heroes in every playground—has its own set of survival skills developed from the streets of the digital landscape. So, what happens when both parties collide on TikTok? The lines of communication get both muddled and rich, leaving everyone chuckling at the absurdity of it all.
Remember “OK boomer” from a few years ago? It highlighted not only generational divides but also served as a rallying cry for Gen Z: a declaration that they wouldn’t be put down by older generations. And while millennials mostly observed from the sidelines, Gen Z became the new cultural engine—ready to voice their frustrations and celebrate their unique experiences.
Slang Classroom Gone Awry
Now, however, we find ourselves in a wild twist. With boomers and Gen Xers hopping onto TikTok to wholesale Gen Z slang, we are left pondering: Who’s truly in on the joke? This is not the first phenomenon of its kind—two months ago, videos showcasing Gen Z staff editing their bosses’ awkward moments went viral, sending ripples of laughter throughout social media. Yet, what sets this current trend apart is the palpable blending of generational opinions and the universal excitement of jumping on a digital stage together.
AI Hits the Music Scene
As if that’s not enough to keep us on our toes, let’s not forget the artificial intelligence (AI) buzz contributing to today’s cultural canvas! Fans of music have been recently bopping to a song that sounds like Justin Bieber, but researchers discovered that it’s most likely a product of AI—a reminder of how technology is smashing traditional boundaries in artistic creation.
And if you think that’s where the conversation stops, take a look at the headlines surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. His recent indictment has transformed him into a viral meme sensation, bouncing through the digital halls of social media like fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s a reminder that whether it’s slang or social commentary, our online chatter dances to its own beat—cross-generational, multi-faceted, and always alive.
The Future of Language on Social Platforms
As all generations converge on platforms like TikTok, it seems the playground of linguistics is wide open. So if you want to keep your in-group chatter and slang secret, good luck finding a hidden corner! Maybe you’ll have to reach out to Generation Alpha; they might just have the scoop on the best hangout spots away from online prying eyes.
At the end of the day, this trendy TikTok culture is not just a passing fad. The blending of ages, languages, and cultures is something to behold. As generations play with language and context, we all become part of a marvelous experiment of communication that is lively, unpredictable, and undeniably entertaining.
