Learning the Lingo

Every generation has slang words that make perfect sense to that generation but completely baffle the generation before. From “groovy” to “rad,” “lit” to “slay,” slang makes for an ever-evolving language-within-a-language to keep things colorful, current and, for some, downright confusing.

Generation Alpha—defined as people born in 2010 to today—has its own words and from parents to teachers to peers, it’s important to learn just what the heck they’re talking about. Chris Paul, PhD, Seattle University professor of communications and media, was recently featured on Seattle’s KING 5 TV to talk about why staying current on modern slang is so important.

Professor Paul, whose research focuses on applying the tools of rhetoric to aspects of digital media, in particular video games, says it’s about showing that you care and want to connect with the current generation.

“It’s important to stay connected to them because it’s something that matters to them,” Paul told KING 5. “It’s the way that they’re communicating just like you stay up in any other sort of language. It’s a show of interest, a show of compassion, a show of reaching out to them and understanding who they are and where they’re coming from.”

So as to avoid sounding cringe and to boost your aura points, learn today's slang, bruh.

Check out the KING 5 story for more from Professor Paul.