Language is a dynamic and ever-evolving entity, reflecting the cultural shifts, technological advancements, and societal changes of its time. Slang, in particular, provides a fascinating window into the world of pop culture, as it captures the spirit of the moment and often defines an era. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most iconic slangs of the past decade, reflecting on their origins and significance in pop culture.
The Influence of Pop Culture on Language
Pop culture, encompassing music, movies, television, social media, and more, wields significant influence over the language we use. As trends and phenomena capture the collective imagination, new words and phrases emerge to encapsulate these cultural moments. Here are some notable slangs from the past decade:
1. “YOLO” (You Only Live Once)
Originating from Drake’s song “The Motto” in 2011, “YOLO” quickly became a catchphrase lotstoexpress symbolizing a carefree and adventurous attitude toward life. It encouraged people to take risks and embrace new experiences, with the underlying message that life is too short to hold back.
2. “Selfie”
The rise of smartphones with front-facing cameras gave birth to the “selfie” craze. Coined around 2013, this term refers to a self-portrait photograph taken with one’s own camera, typically shared on social media platforms. The “selfie” became a symbol of self-expression and self-promotion in the digital age.
3. “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out)
In an era of constant connectivity and social media updates, the “FOMO” phenomenon emerged. This slang, which likely originated in the mid-2010s, encapsulates the anxiety of missing out on exciting events or experiences happening elsewhere, often fueled by seeing others’ social media posts.
4. “Binge-Watch”
As streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime gained popularity, the term “binge-watching” entered our vocabulary. It refers to the act of watching multiple episodes or an entire season of a TV series in one sitting. The binge-watching trend reshaped the way we consume television content.
5. “Lit”
The slang “lit,” borrowed from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), gained traction in the 2010s to describe something that’s exciting, excellent, or full of energy. It became synonymous with a good time and was commonly used to describe parties, music, and experiences.
6. “Savage”
Originally a term to describe someone who was fierce, ruthless, or unapologetically themselves, “savage” took on new meaning in the 2010s. It became a compliment, praising someone for their boldness, wit, or humorous comebacks.
7. “Cancel Culture”
Emerging in the later part of the decade, “cancel culture” refers to the practice of publicly calling out and boycotting individuals, often celebrities, for their controversial statements or actions. It reflects a growing awareness and demand for accountability in the age of social media.
8. “Meme”
While the concept of the meme existed before the decade, the term itself became widely recognized and used in the 2010s. Memes are humorous or satirical images, videos, or text that spread rapidly online, often conveying social commentary, jokes, or relatable experiences.
9. “Viral”
As content shared online could quickly reach millions of people, the term “viral” took on new meaning. It describes anything—be it a video, tweet, or trend—that spreads rapidly across the internet, becoming widely popular within a short time.
10. “Simp”
Towards the end of the decade, the slang “simp” gained prominence, often used to mock someone, usually a man, who excessively caters to the desires and demands of someone they are attracted to. The term has sparked debates about gender dynamics and respectful behavior.
These slangs, each with its unique origins and cultural significance, offer a snapshot of the decade that was. They reflect the changing dynamics of our society, our evolving relationship with technology, and the ways we express ourselves in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As we step into a new decade, it will be intriguing to see what linguistic gems emerge to define the 2020s.
