When someone calls a boring event "lit," it shows how people give words new meanings depending on shared understanding.
What is semantics?
This 2000s slang word shows semantics, because its meaning changed from describing something shiny to meaning “expensive” or “flashy.”
What is bling?
This 2010s slang word shows semantics, because its meaning shifted from describing a real animal to describing a person who’s confident or successful.
What is GOAT?
This 2020s slang word shows semantics, because its meaning changed from describing charm or attraction in general to specifically referring to someone’s ability to flirt or impress others.
What is rizz?
Using slang changes the meanings of words, so people from different generations might not understand each other. For example, saying something is “fire” doesn’t mean it’s burning — it means it’s cool.
What is changing word meaning?
When a person says "It's giving confident" instead of "It's giving a confident vibe," they're breaking grammar rules but still making sense.
What is syntax?
This 2000s slang phrase shows pragmatics, because its meaning depends on tone and context. Said excitedly, it shows support — but said flatly, it can sound sarcastic.
What is whatever?
This 2010s slang phrase shows syntax, because it drops parts of a full sentence. Instead of saying “I’m throwing criticism,” people just say this short phrase to mean they’re subtly insulting someone.
What is throwing shade?
This 2020s slang phrase shows syntax, because it breaks normal grammar rules. Instead of saying “I agree” or “You’re right,” people use this one word to show strong agreement or excitement.
What is facts?
Using slang can help you fit in with your friends or your generation, like saying “bet” or “no cap.” But people who don’t know the slang might feel left out.
What is showing group identity?
When a person says "Nice job" in a sarcastic tone, the meaning depends on HOW and WHEN it's said, not just the words themselves.
What is pragmatics?
This 2000s slang phrase shows syntax, because it breaks sentence structure. People used it as a quick way to agree with someone instead of a full sentence like “I agree.”
What is fo' shizzle?
This 2010s slang phrase shows pragmatics, because its meaning depends on tone and context. Said jokingly, it means you’re not really upset; said seriously, it means genuine frustration.
What is I can't even?
This 2020s slang phrase shows pragmatics, because its meaning depends on tone and context. Said playfully, it shows support or encouragement, but said mockingly, it can sound sarcastic or teasing.
What is ate?
How you say slang can change what it means. Saying “okayyy” in a fun way is supportive, but saying it flatly can make it sound rude.
What is changing meaning based on tone or context?