Word on the screen: TikTok’s contributions to teenage vocabulary

The internet is a powerhouse of plentitude– sound bytes, fashion fads, political banter. It’s the buffet of a lifetime, bursting with content that can be consumed through a single tap or swipe. Many refer to this endless expanse as “brain rot,” a cognitive implosion that runs so deep, children are venerating themselves with letters of the Greek alphabet.

Clearly, TikTok (among other platforms) has its pitfalls. Though, not everything it generates is all that bad. The newest addition? Vocabulary.

I can’t pinpoint exactly where it all started. Hopefully, the word “nonchalant” rings a bell. In April 2024, TikTok user breazy2funny posted a series of comedy sketches about receiving adoration for being a “nonchalant dreadhead.” His TikToks went viral, racking up millions of views.

In short, a nonchalant dreadhead is a person that wears their hair in dreads and takes a laid-back, easygoing approach to life. The joke has pervaded, with “nonchalant” seeping into the dialects of adolescents nationwide.

It’s certainly strange– a dated, esoteric word being flung around like it’s brand new. At the same time, it also fills me with hope. Using TikTok, we are actively reviving words and stimulating our vocabularies. Here’s another one:

“Very mindful, very demure.” Want to emphasize the ‘correct’ way to handle something? Chant this phrase into oblivion.

In August, TikTok user Jools Lebron popularized the terms with a series of videos. According to The Oklahoman, “Lebron redefines ‘demure’ and ‘mindful’ to refer to a refined, subtle elegance in various contexts—whether at work, on a plane, or in personal appearance.”

To be “demure” is the new standard. TikTok personalities have made a plethora of content on the topic, sharing how they take an elegant approach to their own lives. Stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Jenna Ortega have hopped on the trend as well, and #demure comprises over 700,000 videos.

As someone who hates being told to “stop using big words,” the emergence of an internet-driven lexicon is exciting. It’s clear that TikTok has the ability to shape the vocabulary of generations, and I think there’s a place to leverage the echo chamber.

It’s often said that Generation Z was “raised by the internet,” and many people have expressed concern for our intelligence. However, I believe that our ability to reinvent words in new contexts speaks volumes about our creativity. Who thought ‘nonchalant’ would make a comeback, or that dainty, ‘ladylike’ words would be used to demonstrate rock climbing procedure?

In a world where few of us read, platforms like TikTok may have catalyzed an unexpected literary renaissance. Personally? Sabrina Carpenter (a TikTok star herself) taught me “nonchalant” in 2018, with her release of the record “Sue Me.” Online content doesn’t replace traditional learning, but its role in educating adolescents is indisputable.

The internet’s quest for quirky, archaic words is a step towards reclaiming the rich language that the digital age has left behind. It’s a reminder that words– no matter how niche or complex– can always find their way back into the spotlight.

Are there any words you’ve adopted from the internet? Let us know!

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