By: Shawn  Wang

Slang is defined as a language that is peculiar or particular to a group (Merriam-Webster). These groups could be a generation, a certain race, or a certain ideology. As slang gets passed down from generation to generation, the words change, but the meanings don’t. A great example of this is the word “cool” becoming “dope.”

Teenagers nowadays have invented new slang. However, some of the newer terms that have been created tend to be less positive than ones used by previous generations. The reason behind this may be because older generations had it better than the current one, and after that, they may have made the world a worse place in some ways, and the slang reflects that.

The term “mid” is used to describe something that is average, or slightly below average. It is used to describe things that are disappointing, but at the same time, can’t be complained about. For example, if the food at a restaurant is alright but doesn’t stand out and is a mild disappointment, it falls under the category of mid.

“Glazed” is used to describe when something gets overrated or over exaggerated to the point at which one can change one’s judgment or opinion on it. In sports commentary, there is a lot of glazing. Each move is exaggerated to get the viewer’s attention.

Younger generations have always created terms that reflect their society. In some ways, this generation’s slang reflects corporate triumph and the defeat of public spirit. The world that has been set up by older generations for the new one is flawed, but the new slang that has been produced shows that the newer generations are still innovative and not deluded.

Scources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/25/opinion/gen-z-slang-language.html
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slang