From slang to algospeak: How TikTok is reshaping language

• TikTok, the slang engine of Gen Z
• The multilingual meme boom and cross-cultural expression
• When language becomes a barrier: The digital divide

TikTok, the slang engine of Gen Z

“TikTok isn’t just where slang lives—it’s where it’s born and distributed globally overnight.”

— Dr. Gretchen McCulloch, Internet Linguist and author of Because Internet

One of the most significant ways TikTok has impacted language is by introducing new vocabulary, particularly Gen Z slang. These terms often emerge from creators who strategically shape their speech to bypass content moderation, stimulate a sense of community or simply fish for a viral moment. This trend is further accelerated by constant exposure to memes and powerhouse influencers like MrBeast and Kimberly Loaiza.

Some popular TikTok-driven English slang words include:

• rizz: charisma (popularized by YouTuber Kai Cenat)
• delulu: delusional
• POV (Point of View): from the creator’s perspective
• face card: someone who gets what they want because of their looks
• mid: mediocre
• NPC (Non-Player Character): someone who lacks authenticity
• dupe: a cheaper imitation of a high-end product
• tea: gossip
• it’s giving…: something that evokes a particular ‘vibe’ (‘It’s giving Madonna’)

The multilingual meme boom and cross-cultural expression

Thanks to its technology and diverse creator pool, TikTok has become a space where users build cross-cultural bridges through language. Some of the avenues that have led to this are:

Blending languages for humor and connection

TikTok is, of course, a major global stage for shared humor, such as memes and viral trends. With a staggering reach across more than 150 countries. and an auto-translation tool that supports more than 15 languages, it’s a prime channel for comedic content that crosses language barriers. 

Many creators actively embrace this multilingual potential, switching between languages like English-French or using hybrids like Singlish. They might employ these mixes to highlight cultural differences or drive a joke home, as seen in memes like US mom vs. Mexican mom. Auto-generated subtitles often support this kind of content, making it more accessible to wider audiences and bringing cultures together.

Yet despite this linguistic diversity,, unsurprisingly, English continues to dominate the platform. While it’s difficult to assess the exact amount of English content on the platform, it was the top moderated language in 2024. This dominance can contribute to cultural homogenization by overshadowing local cultures and overexposing the English language, especially among TikTok’s core communities (Gen Z and Millenials). In Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, for example, younger generations blend languages and adopt internet-specific anglicisms like postear (to post) or taggear (to tag).

Language as identity performance

Language also plays an essential role in identity performance, shaping how we present ourselves to others. It allows us to express our social or cultural backgrounds, aligning with or distancing ourselves from certain groups.

On TikTok, creators use language not only to communicate, but also to enhance a sense of belonging and cultural identity. For instance, we can find content exploring Mexico City’s queer slang, guides on K-pop fandom terminology and hundreds of memes highlighting cultural differences. In this way, users contribute to their community’s identity formation, reinforce cultural signifiers and connect with each other regardless of location.

When language becomes a barrier: The digital divide

While TikTok can be a space for community building, it can unintentionally alienate audiences in several key ways:

Slang as gatekeeping

Communities on TikTok and other platforms are developing distinct language norms, often separate from other societal groups. Acronyms like FYP (For you Page), OOMF (One of my Followers/Friends) and IYKYK (If you Know you Know) are widely used, and terms like ‘delulu’ and ‘tea’ have even made their way into IRL (In Real Life) conversations. This hyper-specialized slang can be hard for non-users or older generations to understand. The result? Difficulty engaging with content and a sense of exclusion from cultural conversations happening on and off the platform.

The rise of algospeak and hidden language

“The more TikTok slang evolves, the more it starts to resemble a subcultural dialect—intelligible to insiders, mystifying to others.”

— Prof. Ilana Gershon, Media Anthropologist, Indiana University

Another layer of linguistic complexity arises from content moderation.  To adhere to community guidelines and avoid content removal or shadowbanning, creators practice self-censorship by employing coded language that dodges moderation. They use symbols, numbers or euphemisms to mask their messaging in what is called ‘algospeak’ (algorithm speak). This way, creators can discuss sensitive topics such as politics, mental health and crime while going undetected.

Nevertheless, this form of language might not be intelligible to casual social media users or outsiders, which can create communication obstacles.

Let’s look at some examples of algospeak:

• Dior bags: drones
• unalive: death
• seggs: sex
• depressi0n: depression

Echo chambers

While the in-group communication can have a positive impact on community bonds, it can also deepen divisions and create linguistic echo chambers.  As users engage with specific kinds of slang or dialect, they may become siloed into particular content bubbles. This limits exposure to alternative perspectives and can create mutual incomprehension between online subcultures.

A new language era—or a cultural divide?

The reach and speed of platforms like TikTok have a significant impact on how younger generations communicate. Social media slang and algospeak are influencing language, with positive and negative consequences. While on one hand they can foster a sense of belonging, on the other they risk widening generational or cultural gaps or contribute to cultural homogenization. This phenomenon also means that cultural fluency now demands not just linguistic ability, but also social media literacy, which makes it harder for certain groups to access particular discussions. 

As we look ahead, only time will tell if these shifts will permanently reshape language, and who they’ll bring on board.

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