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The linguistic contributions that Gen Z has made to our society are officially vintage in the face of Gen Alpha’s influence. This iPad generation, born after 2010, is fluent in a rapidly evolving language that leaves many parents scratching their heads.
Words and phrases that once felt like the cutting edge of cool, like “lit” and “fire,” are now gathering digital dust. For parents, it feels like the generation gap is wider than ever, as our teens communicate in codes like memes, viral trends, and gaming references. Parents will wonder, “Is this a curse, a dance move, or a video game boss I need to know about?”
Trying to have a conversation with a Gen Alpha teen can feel like stepping into a never-ending “skibidi potty” meme that’s weird, fast-paced, and hard to understand. It’s not just about knowing the words. It’s about understanding the cultural ecosystem to which the word belongs.
Many parents express frustration by saying, “It’s like we don’t speak the same language anymore,” or dismiss this new slang entirely as too reductionist or decadent. What was once honest communication now feels like an inside joke. But by being open to the nuances of your teen’s worldview, you can bridge the communication gap.
speaking generation alpha
Described by some as “disgusting” or even “brain rotting,” this generation’s slang can leave parents trying to decipher it feeling out of touch and sometimes downright stupid. Words like “negative aura” have replaced the phrase “bad vibes” familiar to Gen Z. Although the meanings may be similar, the change in language can make parents feel like they are always one step behind.
For example, consider the word “sigma”. For Gen Alphas, calling someone “Sigma” means that person is cool or a leader. Meanwhile, “Ohio” has taken on the meaning of something disgusting or embarrassing. And don’t panic if your teens say, “They’re rhythmic.” This word was added to the dictionary in 2023 and simply means that they have charm or charisma.
Raising children aiming for individuality
At the heart of each generation of language evolution is the desire to differentiate from previous languages. Each generation creates new phrases and trends to not only connect with their peers on a deeper level, but also to separate themselves from the previous generation. This creates a social gap and can lead to strained communication with parents.
The culture Gen Alpha is creating through slang, social media trends, and online memes is a vivid expression of their values, humor, worldview, and communication style. It is important to remember that the teenage years are a time of personality, socialization and identity formation.
Thanks to social media, Generation Alpha’s slang has evolved more rapidly, but it still serves the same purpose of being incomprehensible to adults. Teens know that they are sometimes inconveniencing their parents, and they intend to do so. It is important that our teens have their own language and space to be themselves. Researching new slang is an option, but asking your child what it means and reflecting on what they understand can help your teen feel heard. Curiosity is the most important aspect of parenting. Rather than trying to crack the code of Gen Alpha’s slang, the key is to tune into their emotions.
From great sadness to great happiness
Although Generation Alpha’s communication style may seem chaotic, it’s important to remember that this is developmentally appropriate and a natural part of the individuation process.
As parents, we have the privilege of witnessing our children’s identities unfold, and by embracing their unique expressions, we bridge generational gaps and foster deeper connections. You can.
