Exploring Slang Dynamics and Semantic Shifts in Digital Communication: A Study of Generation Z on TikTok

In the evolving digital communication landscape, slang has become a dominant linguistic tool among Generation Z, particularly on digital platforms such as TikTok. However, the semantic shifts and sociocultural motivations behind slang usage remain underexplored, primarily through established linguistic frameworks. This study aims to identify the types of slang used by Generation Z in selected TikTok videos, analyse the semantic changes occurring within these slang expressions, and determine the sociocultural factors influencing their usage. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, analysing seven high-engagement TikTok videos themed around Generation Z marketing style and ten semi-structured interviews with Malaysian Generation Z TikTok users aged 24–26. The findings reveal that the most common slang types used are fresh and creative, flippant, clipping, imitative, and acronyms. Regarding semantic change, metaphor was the most frequently observed process, followed by generalization of meaning, specialization of meaning, metonymy, and synecdoche. Interview data showed that slang fosters relatability, expresses emotions, asserts identity, and communicates efficiently in casual contexts. These findings highlight TikTok as a linguistic and cultural space where semantic innovation thrives. The study offers significant implications for language educators, content creators, and sociolinguistic researchers by demonstrating how slang reflects digital identity, cultural values, and communicative adaptation in the Generation Z community.

digital platforms, semantic shifts, slang

1. Ahmed, N. (2019). Generation Z’s smartphone and social media usage: A survey. Journalism and mass communication, 9(3), 101-122. http://dx.doi.org/10.17265/21606579/2019.03.001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Allan, K. & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring of Language. Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Altakhaineh, A. R. M. (2018). The semantic change of positive vs. negative adjectives in modern English. Lingua Posnaniensis, 60(2), 25-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/linpo-2018-00010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Bahri, S., Manullang, E., Sihombing, P., & Eleazar, K. (2023). Language change in social media. Randwick International of Social Science Journal, 4(3), 713-721. https://doi.org/10.47175/rissj.v4i3.745. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Barrot, J. (2021). Social media as a language learning environment: A systematic review of the literature (2008-2019). Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(9), 2534 - 2562. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2021.1883673. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Bekele, W. B., & Ago, F. Y. (2022). Sample size for interview in qualitative research in social sciences: A guide to novice researchers. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 4(1), 42-50. http://dx.doi.org/10.46303/repam.2022.3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Blank, A. (1999). Why do new meanings occur? A cognitive typology of the motivations for lexical semantic change. In A. Blank & P. Koch (Eds.), Historical semantics and cognition (pp. 61–90). Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter. https://bibliographie.uni-tuebingen.de/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10900/79005/Koch,%20Blank%20(1999)%20Introduction.%20Historical%20semantics%20and%20cognition%20(A52).pdf?sequence=1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Brodie, K. (2025). Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development – and the Zone of Proximal Development. Early Years TV. https://www.earlyyears.tv/vygotsky-sociocultural-cognitive-development-zpd/#:~:text=Vygotsky's%20sociocultural%20theory%20emphasises%20the,learned%2C%20leading%20to%20cognitive%20growth [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th edition). Oxford University Press. https://ktpu.kpi.ua/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/social-research-methods-alanbryman.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Bucholtz, M., & Hall, K. (2005). Identity and interaction: A sociocultural linguistic approach. Discourse Studies, 7(4–5),585–614. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461445605054407 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Cassotti, P., De Pascale, S., & Tahmasebi, N. (2024). Using synchronic definitions and semantic relations to classify semantic change types. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2406.03452 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Cervi, L. (2021). TikTok and Generation Z. Theatre, dance and performance training, 12(2), 198-204. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443927.2021.1915617 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Chaira, F. (2022). Semantic change in Tashawit: A special focus on metaphor, metonymy and synecdoche. Algerian Journal of Research and Studies, 5(3), 444-458. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/downArticle/490/5/3/198573 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Chaira, F. (2023). On metaphor, metonymy, and synecdoche: A glance at semantic change in Berber. Iles d Imesli, 15(1), 05-20. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/241272 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Chaudhuri, M., & Sarkar, I. (2020). Social media and changing trends in everyday languages. International Journal of English Learning & Teaching Skills, 2(4)1610 - 1630. https://doi.org/10.15864/ijelts.2406. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. De Wit, I. (2021). A terrific paper: A corpus study of amelioration and pejoration in adjectives related to fear. [Unpublished doctoral or master's thesis or dissertation]. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1631104/FULLTEXT01.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Din, W. M., Idris, F., & Tajudin, M. (2022). Socio-culture of youths: Impact of personal values towards effective communication. Social Sciences, 12(8), 10-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v12-i8/14171 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Flack, J. (2025). The ultimate glossary of TikTok slang. UBIQUITOUS. https://www.ubiquitousinfluence.com/post/tiktok-slang [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. G’affarovna, Z. B. (2025). Young slang and internet linguistics the evolation or digital communication. International Conferences of Practice, 1(2), 26-28. https://incop.org/index.php/canada/article/view/1584/1560 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Hafner, C., & Pun, J. (2020). Editorial: Introduction to this Special Issue: English for academic and professional purposes in the digital era. RELC Journal, 51, 13 - 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688220917472. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Hautea, S., Parks, P., Takahashi, B., & Zeng, J. (2021). Showing they care (or don’t): Affective publics and ambivalent climate activism on TikTok. Social Media + Society, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211012344 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Hu, T. (2024). Optimization strategy for short video content generation on the TikTok platform. EDP Sciences, 207, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202420702017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Indra, S. & Marhamah (2024). An analysis of slang words used in social media (Instagram). RETORIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, 10(2), 347-352. http://10.0.217.85/jr.10.1.9710.347-352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Irshad, S., Maan, M. F., Batool, H., & Hanif, A. (2021). Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (ZPD): An evaluative tool for language learning and social development in early childhood education. Multicultural Education, 7(6), 234-242. http://ijdri.com/me/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/25.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Jaya, S. C., Alamsyah, A., & Max, J. I. S. D. (2025). An analysis of slang words on TikTok by Gen Z. Ilmu Budaya: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Budaya, 9(2), 267-276. https://e-journals.unmul.ac.id/index.php/JBSSB/article/view/16995 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Jeresano, E. M., & Carretero, M. D. (2022). Digital culture and social media slang of Gen Z. United International Journal for Research & Technology, 3(4), 11-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1314/RG.2.2.36361.93285 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Jose, A. I., Nurulaen, A., & Listiani, T. (2025). Exploring slang words on social media TikTok in 2024. Linguistics and ELT Journal, 13(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.31764/leltj.v13i1.31704 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Karpova, K., & Borymska, O. (2022). My cyber self: Identity presentation on TikTok. Current Issues of Ukrainian Linguistics Theory and Practice, 44, 118–129. https://doi.org/10.17721/apultp.2022.44.118-129 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Lasmawan, I. W., & Budiarta, I. W. (2020). Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development and the students’ progress in learning (A heutagogcal bibliographical review). JPI (Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia), 9(4), 545-552. http://dx.doi.org/10.23887/jpi-undiksha.v9i4.29915 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications. https://books.google.com.my/books?id=2oA9aWlNeooC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Lochmiller, C. (2021). Conducting Thematic Analysis with Qualitative Data. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5008. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Mackey, A. E. (2023). Evaluating the evolution of the English language as seen in TikTok slang (Doctoral dissertation, Wichita State University). https://soar.wichita.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/8ac87950-7aa8-4c99-b93a-70a74acbf46a/content [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Maghfira, M. & Pratiwi. S. D. (2022). Analysis of the use of English in slang on video content used by TikTok content creators. Deskripsi Bahasa, 5(1), 20 - 24. https://doi.org/10.22146/db.v5i1.4962 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Manurung, H. A. D., Heriansyah, H., & Achmad, D. (2020). An analysis of slang terms in the “Deadpool” movie. Research in English and Education Journal, 5(1), 39-45. http://dx.doi.org/10.22334/traverse.v4i2.75 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Marketing to Generation Z. (2023, November 3). SheerID. https://www.sheerid.com/business/blog/marketing-to-generation-z/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Muhartoyo & Wijaya, B. S. (2014). The use of English slang words in informal communication among 8th semester students of English Department in Binus University. Humaniora, 5(1), 197-209. https://doi.org/10.21512/humaniora.v5i1.3009 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Mustapha, N. S. & Marzuki, E. (2023). Use of TikTok slang among Malaysian Generation Z. Trends in Undergraduate Research, 6(2), 12 - 17. https://doi.org/10.33736/tur.5516.2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Muzani, A. W. M. & Lotfie, M. M. (2024). Morphological neologisms: The emergence of social media slang on TikTok (Neologism morfologi: Kemunculan slanga media sosial di TikTok.) Sains Insani, 9(1), 103-113. https://doi.org/10.33102/sainsinsani.vol9no1.597 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Muzari, T., Shava, G. N., & Shonhiwa, S. (2022). Qualitative research paradigm, a key research design for educational researchers, processes and procedures: A theoretical overview. Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1), 14-20. https://indianapublications.com/articles/IJHSS_3(1)_14-20_61f38990115064.95135470.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Nadeem, A., & Shahzad, A. K. (2025). Patterns of English slang used by TikTok content creators: A semantic analysis. Liberal Journal of Language & Literature Review, 3(2), 355-375. https://llrjournal.com/index.php/11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Nashrudina, P. G. G., Fajriyah, A. M. A., & Dewi, T. I. (2025). The role of TikTok in shaping Generation Z’s slang: Semantic change and language use in digital communication. Cultural Narratives, 2(3), 146-156. https://doi.org/10.59066/cn.v2i3.1005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Oktaviani, N. P. E., & Agung, I. G. A. M. (2023). Slang used in the movie “Lady Bird”. Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra, 15(1), 01-06. https://doi.org/10.31294/wanastra.v15i1.13721 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Pongsapan, N. P. (2022). An analysis of slang language used in English students’ interaction. Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa Dan Sastra, 8(2), 917-924. http://dx.doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v8i2.2359 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Rahmatirad, M. (2020). A review of socio-cultural theory. Siasat, 5(3), 23-31. https://siasatjournal.com/index.php/siasat [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Rosvita, I., Tumbel, M. C., Sabata, Y. N., & Arrasul, A. R. (2024). Analyzing slang in social media. DEIKTIS: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, 4(4), 803-815. https://doi.org/10.53769/deiktis.v4i4.1178 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Ruslin, R., Mashuri, S., Rasak, M. S. A., Alhabsyi, F., & Syam, H. (2022). Semi-structured interview: A methodological reflection on the development of a qualitative research instrument in educational studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 12(1), 22-29. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358906376_Semi-structured_Interview_A_Methodological_Reflection_on_the_Development_of_a_Qualitative_Research_Instrument_in_Educational_Studies_Ruslin?enrichId=rgreq-b0f2a258cbf1b29eb8317888b23ba53e-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM1ODkwNjM3NjtBUzoxMTI5ODA1MjUyNjk0MDE2QDE2NDYzNzc5NzE3MDU%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Sani, M. F. A., Hassan, N. S., & Husin, S. H. (2024). The role of Gen Z slang in shaping social identity and language norms in selected Netflix teen series. Persidangan Antarabangsa Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan (PASAK), 124-132. https://conference.uis.edu.my/pasak/images/eprosiding/eng/pasak92024-014-_MUHAMMAD_FARIS_ABDULLAH_SANI-KPJHU.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Schaefer, K. (2024). The unspoken rules of marketing on TikTok. VVITCH. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. https://www.vvitchdigital.com/blog/tiktok-rules [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Stoika, O., & Pitоvka, V. (2025). Social media and language innovation: A study of slang, abbreviations, and emoticons. Сучасні Дослідження З Іноземної Філології, 1(27), 226–238. https://doi.org/10.32782/2617-3921.2025.27.226-238 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Sulaiman, P., & Syafitri, D. (2022). Slang word analysis in the Ralph Breaks the Internet movie. EDULIA: English Education, Linguistic and Art Journal, 2(2), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.31539/edulia.v2i2.3939 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Sulistiyaningsih, E. F., & Muttaqiyah, N. (2022). Analysis of slang words used for comments on TikTok. Journalistics: Journal of English Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 2(01), 44-51. https://journalistics.org/index.php/journalistics/article/view/27/34 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Sundaram, A., Subramaniam, H., Ab Hamid, S. H., & Nor, A. M. (2023). A systematic literature review on social media slang analytics in contemporary discourse. IEEE Access, 11, 132457-132471. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3334278 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Syafa’ah, L. A. & Haryanto, S. (2023). Slang semantic analysis on TikTok social media Generation Z. Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity), 476-484. https://proceedings.ums.ac.id/index.php/iseth/article/view/3898 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Yuldashaliyevna, A. G. (2025). The role of slang in digital communication. The Peerian Journal, 41, 105-110. https://www.peerianjournal.com/index.php/tpj/article/view/1107 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Yulia, E., & Ningsih, T. W. R. (2024). Exploring types and functions slang words in television series season 4. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 1(3), 98–110. https://ojs.ptmjb.com/index.php/JESCS/article/view/10 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Yuniar, A. N. (2022). An analysis of English slang words discussed by slang content creators on TikTok and its contribution to language learning in speaking. Jurnal Wawasan Pendidikan, 3(1), 140-148. https://eprints3.upgris.ac.id/id/eprint/2736/1/Ainun%20Nisa%20Yuniar%2017420129.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Yuniar, A. N., Suwandi, S., & KA, A. P. (2023). An analysis of English slang words discussed by slang content creators on TikTok. Jurnal Wawasan Pendidikan, 3(1), 140-148. https://doi.org/10.26877/wp.v3i1.10742 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Zavyalova, A. (2022). Content analysis. The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Fashion. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Qualitative-Content-Analysis-Research-%3A-A-Review-Hashemnezhad/eb790d12b813076402e0f63c46ac76353ffb07b7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Zeng, J., Abidin, C., & Schäfer, M. (2021). Research perspectives on TikTok and its legacy apps: Introduction. International Journal of Communication, 15, 3161-3172. https://doi.org/10.5167/UZH-205427 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Evaluating the Impacts of Mind Mapping Strategy on Developing EFL Students’ Critical Reading Skills
• Significance of Reading Instructions for Language Improvement in Children with Down Syndrome
• Prenasalised Consonants in Liangmai
• Metadiscourse Matters: Definitions, Models, and Advantages for ESL/ EFL Writing
• Blank Minds and Stuck Voices: Understanding and Addressing Cognitive Anxiety in High-Stakes ESL Speaking Tests