Slang is Low-Key Everywhere: What You Need to Know

In 2024, slang isn’t just for TikTok teens—it is everywhere. Whether it was viral TikToks, corporate campaigns trying to be relatable, or sprinkled in casual conversations, 2024 has leaned hard into the shorthand of internet culture.

AI has helped us, too, creating slang-filled social media captions and blog intros that look like they were born in the comment section of a viral video. Every parenting magazine had to update its lists, and even Merriam-Webster reminded us to touch grass once in a while.

But as fun as it is to be a little extra in communication work, something bigger is happening here. Slang didn’t just become a part of our vocabulary—it became shorthand for how we connect online, whether we are trying to bridge generational gaps, sound relatable, or show off that we’re ‘in the know.’ But spoiler alert: slang isn’t just trendy lingo—it’s got real roots, and those roots run deep.

The Fast Lane: How Slang Took Over

Let’s be real—social media culture and the need to communicate quickly turned slang into a kind of linguistic cheat code in 2024. Why say “that’s a good idea” when you can just hit them with “bet”? It’s fast, it’s punchy, and it gets the point across. Slang fits right into the fast-paced, always-on world we’re living in, where attention spans are short and conversations move quickly.

There’s no denying that slang can help us relate to each other more easily. It’s become a way of adding a little personality to all the organizational jargon and endless emails (perfectly encapsulated in so many memes). But as we jumped headfirst into new terminology, we might miss a crucial detail: many of the words we tossed around so casually have a much richer backstory than we realized.

Where Slang Comes From

Language is always evolving, so it’s difficult to say there’s a right and wrong way to adopt new words into your vocabulary. But words rarely pop up out of thin air. Many currently popular slang terms have been deeply embedded in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the LGBTQ+ community for decades—long before they became the internet’s favorite buzzwords.

Phrases like “slay,” “yas queen,” “tea,” and “extra” didn’t just fall into our laps via social media. They were born out of Black and queer culture and carry meanings that go beyond their surface-level usage. When we start using these words without understanding their roots, we risk erasing the cultural significance they hold for the communities that created them.

It’s important to recognize that marginalized communities have historically contributed to the language we use today. However, these contributions are often overlooked or commercialized when adopted by the mainstream. This leads to a dilution of the original meaning and cultural significance of slang. By acknowledging this, we can ensure that we’re not just using slang for trend’s sake, but respecting the communities that created it.

For example, “shade” didn’t originally mean a mild insult—it comes from Black queer culture (specifically drag culture), where it was used in a very specific way. And “slay”? It’s not just a fun way to say “you did a great job”—it has its own cultural context. Referring to someone or something as your “spirit animal” draws from Indigenous cultures, where the term has deep spiritual significance. 

What starts as a term with a lot of cultural weight can quickly lose its punch once it’s adopted by the masses. The same thing happens when brands start adopting slang in their marketing. It can feel like an awkward attempt to sound relevant, but more often than not, it comes off as inauthentic. It’s one thing to use slang in a way that feels natural to you—it’s another to shoehorn it into every sentence for the sake of sounding trendy. Because language isn’t just the words we use but a form of cultural expression. 

Understanding & Appreciating Language

Language isn’t just about communication—it’s about identity. It’s about culture, history, and how people express their lived experiences. When we use slang without understanding where it comes from, we’re missing out on the depth behind the words we use. Slang can make things more fun and approachable, but it also deserves more thought than we might initially give it.

When we adopt slang without recognizing its origins, we risk perpetuating cultural appropriation. Using language without understanding or crediting its roots can unintentionally strip it of its significance, turning rich cultural expressions into mere trends. Being mindful of this helps us use language in a way that celebrates, rather than erases, the history behind it.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Using Slang With Awareness

So, what’s next? In 2025, it’s time to approach slang with more intention. It’s not about gatekeeping language—it’s an essential part of how we connect. And when language from marginalized communities enters the mainstream, that isn’t inherently a bad thing. But let’s pause to consider where it comes from and why it matters. 

It’s about respect! When we know the origins of our language, we can honor the cultures that created it, not just borrow their lingo. So next time you spill the tea or throw some shade, just remember—you’re speaking a piece of history.

In 2025, let’s commit to using language thoughtfully. It’s not just about staying relevant; it’s about honoring the communities that shaped how we speak today. When we take the time to understand the words we use, we’re doing more than communicating—we’re connecting on a deeper, more meaningful level.