Close All Tabs Is Algospeak Coming for Us?
Aug 6, 2025
Join linguist Adam Aleksic, an etymology aficionado and author of Algospeak, as he delves into how social media is reshaping language. He discusses the rise of terms like 'unalive' created to bypass algorithm filters and how these euphemisms are blending into everyday life. Adam explores the 'euphemism treadmill' theory, revealing how language evolves alongside societal changes. With a fascinating look at the impact of algorithms on identity and communication, he highlights the intricate dance between technology and authentic discourse.
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Origin and Spread of Algospeak
- Algospeak originates from social media platforms like TikTok where users create new words to bypass content filters.
- Euphemisms like "unalive" spread because they are funny and foster in-group identity, especially in mental health communities.
Words As Metadata in Algorithms
- All words now act as metadata picked up by natural language processing algorithms.
- Creators deliberately choose words to increase engagement and avoid suppression by algorithms.
Language Adaptation Is Historical
- People have historically altered language to suit social norms and censorship, from Shakespearean bowdlerization to Leet speak.
- Social media algorithms intensify this by encouraging rapid language innovation for visibility.
