Within Reason #93 The Etymology Nerd - How Social Media is Transforming Our Language
99 snips
Jan 21, 2025 
Adam Aleksic, known as 'The Etymology Nerd,' is a linguist and author of the upcoming book 'Algospeak.' He dives into how social media transforms language, introducing concepts like 'Algo Speak' and terms like 'unalive' for sensitive topics. The conversation unpacks the evolution of slang from diverse communities, exploring how humor and euphemisms adapt in a digital landscape. Adam also discusses the intersection of language and identity, revealing how algorithms influence communication styles and foster unique vernaculars within various online communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Euphemism Treadmill
- The "euphemism treadmill" describes how euphemisms become desensitized.
- Words for death are frequently euphemized, with "unalived" being a recent example.
Slang's Accelerated Spread
- Slang like "cool" historically spread slowly from the African-American community.
- Social media accelerates this spread, with terms like "ate" and "cooked" quickly entering mainstream use.
Mocking Origins of Slang
- Phrases like "long time no see" and "no can do" originated from mocking foreign accents.
- These phrases spread because they sound humorous, becoming early memes.