#93 The Etymology Nerd - How Social Media is Transforming Our Language
Jan 21, 2025
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Adam Aleksic, known as 'The Etymology Nerd,' is a linguist and author of the upcoming book 'Algospeak.' He dives into how social media transforms language, introducing concepts like 'Algo Speak' and terms like 'unalive' for sensitive topics. The conversation unpacks the evolution of slang from diverse communities, exploring how humor and euphemisms adapt in a digital landscape. Adam also discusses the intersection of language and identity, revealing how algorithms influence communication styles and foster unique vernaculars within various online communities.
Linguistics reflects societal contexts, showing how language connects diverse academic fields like mathematics, biology, and philosophy.
Social media platforms rapidly influence language change, introducing new terms and slang that dynamically evolve with online interactions.
The euphemism treadmill illustrates how societal perceptions alter language, continually generating new euphemisms to address sensitive topics over time.
Deep dives
The Broad Impact of Linguistics
Linguistics transcends mere vocabulary as it reflects broader societal contexts and academic fields. Language serves as a tool for communicating realities across disciplines, making linguistics relevant to anyone, whether they are mathematicians, biologists, or philosophers. The speaker uses videos to explore these connections, revealing inherent aspects of human existence reflected in language. This makes the study of linguistics not just academic but deeply intertwined with how we express and understand our world.
Social Media as a Driving Force of Language Evolution
Language change is now predominantly influenced by social media platforms, as they facilitate rapid communication and slang dissemination. New terms emerge at unprecedented rates due to algorithms that shape linguistic trends, like the euphemism 'unalive' being adopted instead of 'kill' or 'commit suicide.' This shift highlights a broader theory where internet interactions catalyze linguistic adaptation in real-time, redefining how communities engage with sensitive topics. Social media acts as a linguistic frontier, reflecting modern communication dynamics and vocabulary evolution.
Historical Patterns in Linguistic Change
Concerns regarding linguistic degradation are not new but have been present throughout history, with echoes of the same complaints surfacing across centuries. The speaker notes that language change often triggers generational backlash, as older generations view evolving slang as indicative of degradation. Historical examples demonstrate that every era has its share of complaints about youth's language use, underscoring the cyclical nature of linguistic evolution. The fascinating realization is that, despite new mediums, the fundamental processes of language change remain consistent over time.
Semantic Drift and Euphemism Treadmill
There is a linguistic phenomenon known as the euphemism treadmill, where terms evolve as society's perceptions change, leading to the continual generation of new euphemisms. The speaker illustrates this using words surrounding death, where terms like 'deceased' and 'passed away' lose their softer connotation over time. This pattern not only showcases how humans seek more palatable ways to discuss uncomfortable topics but also illustrates a potential cycle where euphemisms eventually become stigmatized themselves. The historical development of language reveals humanity's consistent efforts to adapt expression in response to existential themes.
The Influence of Algorithms on Language Development
Algorithms significantly shape contemporary language use, propelling certain slang and terms into viral status across various communities. The speaker discusses terms like 'skibbity' and 'algo speak,' emphasizing how trending words rise alongside creators' conscious or unconscious recognition of algorithmic tendencies. By creating phrases that align with algorithmic trends, users can cultivate engagement and adapt their language dynamically within social media environments. This evolving interplay between language evolution, community dynamics, and technology suggests a new layer of complexity in how we understand and approach communication.
Adam Aleksic is a linguist known online as "The Etymology Nerd". His educational videos are watched regularly by millions. His forthcoming book "Algospeak" is currently available for preorder.
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