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The Ever-Changing World of Gen Alpha Slang: A Puzzle for Parents
The world of Gen Alpha slang is a rapidly evolving landscape that has left many parents and adults scratching their heads. Terms like “slay,” “rizz,” “sigma,” and “gyat” are just a few examples of the dozens of slang words that have become part of the daily vocabulary for today’s youngsters. For parents, keeping up with these terms is no easy feat. Dallas stay-at-home mom Jen Kim, 38, shares her experience with the overwhelming nature of modern slang. Unlike the few phrases her generation had to contend with, today’s slang is an entire vocabulary that requires constant decoding. Her niece Avery, a trendy 10-year-old, used the term “slay” to describe colored pencils as “good,” while her husband’s claim of having “rizz” (charisma) was met with a dismissive look and a barrage of insults, labeling him as “omega” (the lowest rank) and her as “beta” for marrying him.
The speed at which these terms emerge and evolve has left many parents feeling lost. Middle school educator Philip Lindsay highlights that more than two dozen slang terms are used in his classroom in a single week. Terms like “sigma” (cool), “gyat” (used to express surprise at someone attractive), and “skibidi” (derived from a viral YouTube video, meaning either good or bad depending on context) are just a few examples. The Wall Street Journal also pointed out terms like “gigachad,” which refers to an exceptionally masculine, attractive, and muscular individual, often seen as an idealized version of a “chad,” a stereotypically confident and handsome man.
The Cultural Roots of Gen Alpha Slang
Many of these slang terms have roots in African-American and LGBTQ+ communities, according to experts. While they have been embraced by Gen Alpha, their origins highlight the rich cultural tapestry behind them. However, the rapid proliferation of these terms has left parents puzzled, forcing them to resort to Google or friends to understand what their kids are saying. Boston mom Cecilia Hermawan, 41, recalls having to Google the term “mewing,” which she learned is an exercise to enhance one’s jawline. Matt Murray, a 51-year-old father, uses Reddit to keep up with his teen son’s slang, learning terms like “sus” (suspicious). However, he admits that some terms, like “skibidi,” remain nebulous, and he’s given up on understanding them.
The dynamic nature of slang also means that as soon as parents master one phrase, it quickly becomes outdated. Startup founder Carleen Haylett jokes that “bruh” is now “so September 2024’ish,” a term her 13-year-old son Fletcher no longer uses. Instead, he has moved on to other slang terms, leaving Haylett to tune out during his gaming sessions by listening to music on her noise-canceling AirPods. For parents, this rapid turnover of slang is enough to make them feel their age—or older.
The Generational Gap: A Puzzle for Parents
The generational gap caused by slang is a recurring theme. Retired divorce attorney Sharon Blanchet, 78, had to ask her 17-year-old granddaughter what “homie hopping” meant, only to learn it refers to an ex-boyfriend dating one of her friends after a breakup. “Boy, do I feel old,” she remarked. This sense of disconnection is not uncommon, as parents struggle to bridge the linguistic divide between their own experiences and those of their children.
For educators like Philip Lindsay, the challenge is not just about understanding the slang itself but also about navigating its impact on classroom dynamics. Some slang terms have even been banned in schools, as they can carry meanings that are either offensive or distracting. Despite this, the use of slang remains a natural part of how Gen Alpha communicates, reflecting the cultural and social contexts in which they are growing up.
In conclusion, the world of Gen Alpha slang is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon that continues to perplex parents and educators alike. While trying to keep up with the latest terms can feel like learning a foreign language, it also offers a window into the creativity and diversity of today’s youth. For parents, the challenge is not just about understanding the slang itself but also about embracing the cultural and generational shifts it represents. As long as slang keeps evolving, the journey of decoding it will remain an ongoing adventure for parents and adults everywhere.
