In the swirling maelstrom of cultural evolution, language is one of the most dynamic and telling indicators of generational shifts.
Occasionally, a voice rises from the noise to capture the subtleties of these changes with an insight that forces us to reevaluate what we thought we knew. Allegra Miles, a young American whose perspective on language sparked an unexpected dialogue, recently emerged as such a voice. Originally shared in a seemingly innocuous TikTok video, her revelations went viral on social media, highlighting the waning relevance of the once-popular millennial slang in the face of Gen Z’s bold new vocabulary. The discussion that has since gone viral doesn’t just highlight the ephemerality of slang but also raises interesting questions about the forces driving these linguistic transformations.Â
Allegra Miles, 21, gave a fascinating talk about her perspective on contemporary vernacular and the language preferences of her generation.
Slang is an ever-changing expression of generational identity and cultural change in an ever-changing linguistic environment.
Allegra Miles, a young American woman, recently started a dialogue on this topic by pointing out that several slang terms that were common among millennials are now considered outdated by Gen Z. Allegra, 21, gave a fascinating talk about her perspective on contemporary vernacular and the language preferences of her generation.
Effects of Allegra’s TikTok exposure
Allegro’s discoveries emphasize the dynamic nature of language. The video was posted on TikTok and soon garnered over 189,000 views. She pointed out several millennial slang terms that are no longer in use and have been replaced by Gen Z-friendly phrases. The acronym “YOLO,” which stands for “You Only Live Once,” became popular in 2011 thanks to rapper Drake. However, this is replaced by a more emphatic “F*** it, we ball.” This difference represents a more subtle shift in mindset, with Gen Z adopting a more assertive, carefree approach compared to how Millennials value taking advantage of opportunities.
Switch from “Game” to “Rizz”
Another notable change is the term “rizz,” the Gen Z equivalent of the millennial colloquial “game.” While “game” describes a person’s ability to attract romantic partners, “frizz” is a harbinger of charisma that has a more modern twist. This history of terminology shows how language is modified by generations to reflect their different social and cultural contexts.
“Eat” instead of “Slay”
Allegra also mentioned the change of verb tenses from “kill” to “eat” as he praised the extremely skilled performer. While both terms are used to incite people, “eat” is more popular among today’s youth. Comparably, the Gen Z term “locked in,” which reflects the same enthusiasm but with a Gen Z twist, has replaced the millennial term “on point,” which was used to describe anything precise and flawless.
The abstract transition from “Type Beat” to “Vibe”
Allegra talked about several other abstract adjustments, one of which is replacing “beat type” with “vibe”. Allegra clarified this change, which may seem confusing at first glance, with the example of how the atmosphere of the restaurant could be characterized: rather than stating that it feels intimate, it can be said that it has a “cool Italian type to beat. This shift shows how Gen Z approaches language creatively and fluidly, often taking cues from diverse sources such as music and online culture.
Answers from Gen Xers and Millennials
Despite the amusing and even confused responses, Allegra’s findings point to a more general reality of language: language is constantly evolving and shaped by the identities and experiences of its users. Her analysis emphasizes that language changes to fit the times, rather than advocating that one generation’s slang is better than another. According to Allegra, “I like all of these terms, I’m not saying one is better than the other, just things I’ve observed have changed over the years.”
Embracing diversity in linguistics
Allegra Miles’ examination of generational slang not only highlights the fluidity of language but also highlights the diversity of language expressions across age groups. Her observations serve as a reminder that language is a living entity that is constantly evolving to reflect the values, experiences, and attitudes of its speakers. As each generation acquires its unique language, it contributes to a rich tapestry of communication and creates a linguistic bridge between the past, present, and future. Rather than seeing these changes as a decline or improvement, Allegra’s perspective encourages us to celebrate the creativity and adaptability inherent in language. By understanding and appreciating these shifts, we can better connect across generational lines and foster a more inclusive and dynamic language environment. Ultimately, Allegra’s insights challenge us to embrace the diversity of language as a reflection of the diversity in our society and recognize that each generation brings something valuable to the ongoing conversation about human expression.