Within Reason #145 The Algorithm is God Now - The Etymology Nerd
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Mar 4, 2026 
Adam Aleksic (Etymology Nerd), a linguist and author of Algospeak, explores how algorithms reshape slang and communication. He discusses algospeak and euphemisms, platform-driven word trends, why some slang fades fast, differences between YouTube and TikTok language, and whether AI models are changing how we use words. Short, sharp dives into language, culture, and the tech that molds them.
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Algospeak Is Euphemism Plus Attention Driven Trends
- Algospeak includes algorithm-driven euphemisms and trends that spread because attention incentives and influencers replicate viral language.
- Example: euphemistic substitutions like 'unalive' and AI-influenced collocations alter everyday speech.
AI Infected English With The Word Delve
- ChatGPT overuses the verb 'delve', and humans pick it up because AI's language biases spread through social networks.
- Aleksic observed increased human use of 'delve' traced back to AI reinforcement quirks.
Study Current Slang To See Platform Influence
- Pay attention to present linguistic trends because language reveals how platforms shape thought and behaviour.
- Aleksic argues etymology (etymos = truth) helps decode which platform incentives are altering speech now.
