Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Social Media Slang Challenges Grammar Rules And Older Language Standards
Social media is changing the way people use English.
Some words now have new meanings online.
For example, “lit” can mean something exciting instead of literature or the past tense of light.
People also use words such as “rizz” for charm and “goated” for someone excellent.
Older people and grammar correctors may dislike some of these expressions.
People who correct online language can sometimes receive abuse.
The article says language naturally changes over time.
However, it also says writing should remain clear and should not accept every incorrect form.
Understanding new online language can help people understand the modern world.
Social media has changed the meanings and uses of many English words and expressions.
Words such as “lit,” “rizz,” “goated,” “low-key,” and “crash out” are widely used online.
The article says “rizz” was Oxford English Dictionary’s 2023 Word of the Year.
“Rage bait” describes content deliberately created to provoke outrage, comments, and shares.
The article argues that language should evolve without abandoning clear, careful writing.
- Who
- Social media users, language correctors, teachers, parents, and people from older generations.
- What
- The article examines how social media is changing English vocabulary, meanings, and grammar.
- When
- The changes discussed are associated with the rise of the Internet and contemporary social media, including the period since 2023 for “rizz.”
- Where
- On social media, in classrooms, offices, and digital and real-world conversations.
- Why
- Online communities create and spread new expressions, while language correctors try to preserve accepted grammar and usage.
Grammar Preservation
Language Evolution
Correctness versus new usage
Grammar Preservation
Language correctors argue that accepted grammar and standard forms should be maintained, rejecting forms such as “praught” and incorrect examination phrases.
Language Evolution
Social media users create, adopt, and spread new meanings and expressions as language changes over time.
Online slang
Grammar Preservation
Parents, teachers, editors, and older generations may view terms such as “trashposting” and “shitposting” negatively or as signs of declining language standards.
Language Evolution
Supporters of understanding contemporary language argue that online expressions reflect the realities of the modern world and may enter future everyday writing.
Rules and flexibility
Grammar Preservation
Written language should remain clear and avoid accepting forms that are simply wrong.
Language Evolution
Language should be free from rigid grammar rules and allowed to change like a river.
- Example of changed meaning
- “Lit” can mean cool or exciting on social media.
- Examination usage
- The article says standard English uses “take,” “sit,” or “do” an examination rather than “appear for” or “write” one.
- Rizz
- A shortened form of charisma, referring to the ability to attract, charm, or flirt.
- Rizz recognition
- The Oxford English Dictionary included “rizz” as its 2023 Word of the Year.
- Rage bait
- Content or views deliberately crafted to provoke passion and outrage, generating reactions and shares.
- AAVE influence
- The article says many online terms come from African American Vernacular English.
- TED Talk
- The article describes a TED Talk as a strong public presentation lasting 18 minutes.