One-third of Gen Z has used slang deemed offensive

Language is evolving at an unprecedented pace! Over the past year alone, the dictionary has welcomed hundreds of new words, with many capturing the essence of our changing culture, like “throuple,” and advancements in technology, such as “metaverse.” This dynamic evolution reflects how our society adapts and transforms.

At LingualNeeds, we specialize in online tutoring for English, French, and Spanish, and we understand that truly mastering a language goes beyond memorizing definitions. To explore the evolving landscape of slang, we surveyed over 1,500 English speakers across the U.S. last year, gathering insights on the slang terms they know well, those they find perplexing, and the ones that particularly irritate them. After a year filled with linguistic changes and innovations, we’re excited to share our latest findings on the current state of slang in America.

Key findings

• “Ghosted” and “salty” are the most popular slang terms in America.
• The most annoying slang term is “bae.”
• Most Americans (89%) agree slang is unprofessional. 
• About a third (31%) of Gen Z Americans have used a slang term they later found out was offensive.

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The state of slang 

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, known for their viral content, has led to an explosion of new slang terms that frequently pop up in memes and videos.

Slang has become a common part of everyday conversation, with an impressive 94% of Americans incorporating it into their speech—up from 84% last year. Notably, more than half of the population, or 54%, frequently use slang in their daily interactions, reflecting its growing influence in communication.

Many Americans turn to slang for quick and straightforward communication, with 32% citing speed as a primary reason and 27% noting its prevalence in everyday conversations. Additionally, 20% of individuals use specific slang terms to add a personal touch to their expressions, allowing them to convey their feelings more effectively.

Currently, a staggering 89% of Americans are picking up slang from the internet and social media. Of these, nearly a third (31%) are influenced by TikTok, while 20% discover new terms through Twitter.

Learning new vocabulary can be challenging, and it’s no surprise that a significant 89% of Americans have turned to the internet at some point to verify the meaning of a slang term. To master the correct usage and context of these words, consider enrolling in conversational English lessons with a skilled tutor. They can provide the guidance you need to enhance your language skills.

The most popular slang in America right now

Curious about the slang that’s capturing the hearts of Americans today? The top two favorites from 2021 are still going strong: “ghosted,” which refers to someone suddenly severing all communication without any explanation, and “salty,” used to describe someone who is particularly bitter or upset. These terms continue to resonate with many!

In the past year, we’ve seen a shift in popular slang. The top trending terms for 2022 are “bomb,” meaning cool or amazing, and “bae,” a term of endearment. These have taken the spotlight, replacing last year’s favorites “extra,” which describes something over the top, and “thirsty,” referring to a desperate need for approval or attention.

Once again, terms like “lewk” (referring to an individual’s distinctive style) and “vom” (short for vomit) remain at the bottom of the popularity rankings. Similarly, “zaddy,” which describes a man exuding confidence and style, is also among the less favored terms. However, since it has recently made its way into the dictionary, it may begin to rise in popularity.

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The most annoying slang in America right now

Despite its ubiquity, slang isn’t for everyone; in fact, sometimes overuse is precisely the problem.

Almost 60% of Americans (59%) express frustration with slang, with some phrases particularly irksome. Among them, COVID-related terms like “Rona” and “zoom fatigue” have become especially tiresome, with two-thirds of Americans reporting annoyance with these expressions after a few years of use.

Last year’s list of the most irritating phrases has seen some changes, with a couple of divisive terms now fading away. Gone are “mansplain,” which refers to condescendingly explaining something to a woman, and “periodt,” an emphatic twist on “period.” In their place, we now find “Gucci,” meaning good or great, and “fam,” used to describe close friends or those who feel like family, topping the list of annoying expressions.

Who uses slang?

The language we choose reveals a lot about our identity. Although slang has historically served as a marker of social status or group affiliation, only a small percentage of Americans view slang users as “cool” (11%) or “lazy” (8%). Instead, the common perception is that those who use slang are often seen as young or youthful (46%), or, in some instances, as trying too hard to fit in (34%).

Slang is a popular form of expression among Americans today, but it’s particularly favored by younger generations. In our survey, an impressive 98% of Gen Z respondents reported using slang, while only 81% of Baby Boomers did the same. Additionally, younger Americans incorporate slang into their conversations far more frequently—30% of Gen Zers use it in almost every chat, compared to just 5% of Baby Boomers.

For younger Americans, grasping the intricacies of slang is crucial in today’s communication landscape. Gen Z has emerged as a vital source of slang expertise; a striking 90% have taken the time to clarify a slang term for someone else. In contrast, 62% of Baby Boomers have found themselves turning to younger generations for definitions. This generational exchange highlights the evolving nature of language and the importance of staying in the loop.

Gen Z places a higher emphasis on their choice of slang in conversations than previous generations. In fact, nearly 46% of Gen Z Americans express concern about using slang terms incorrectly, a significant increase compared to just 32% of Baby Boomers. This demonstrates a growing awareness and sensitivity to language among younger individuals.

Gen Z is increasingly mindful of the slang they choose to use, showing a growing awareness of its cultural roots. Often, slang gains traction faster than people understand its origins, leading to instances where terms from minority cultures are appropriated by white individuals. In our survey, we found that 31% of Gen Z Americans acknowledged using a slang term that they later learned was offensive.

When is it okay to use slang?

Slang acts as a social bonding tool among friends and family, fostering connections and shared understanding. Recent research reveals that nearly 70% of Americans (68%) incorporate slang into their conversations with friends. Additionally, a significant majority—79%—believe it’s perfectly acceptable to use slang at home with loved ones, while 73% feel comfortable using it during social gatherings.

Americans generally believe that slang is more suitable for informal situations. In fact, an overwhelming 97% think it’s inappropriate for job interviews, and 84% feel the same about the workplace. Interestingly, while 41% of those surveyed admit to having colleagues who frequently use slang, and 56% reported using it themselves around coworkers last year, a significant 89% still view slang as unprofessional.

Slang often misses the mark when it comes to romance. In fact, a significant 73% of Americans believe that using slang on a first date is a no-go. This is a notable increase from last year, when 53% indicated that slang could be a dealbreaker in more intimate situations.

Slang may often be overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in language learning, fostering connections and camaraderie among people.

Methodology: On July 28, 2022, we conducted a survey with a diverse group of 1,500 Americans. The results revealed that 49% of participants identified as men, 49% as women, and 2% as nonbinary or preferred not to disclose their gender. In terms of age demographics, 10% were Baby Boomers, 21% belonged to Generation X, 45% were Millennials, and 23% identified as Gen Z.