Exploring Gen Z and Gen Y's Influence on Modern English Language
Watch Your Language: Gen Z and Gen Y contributions to contemporary English

Image: The Farmville Herald
Contemporary English is being shaped by Gen Z and Gen Y, introducing terms like 'riz' for charisma, 'chopped' for unattractiveness, and 'brain rot' for media fatigue. These expressions reflect cultural shifts and resonate with younger audiences, highlighting their evolving communication styles.
- 01'Riz' is a shorthand for charisma, indicating charm or attractiveness.
- 02'Chopped' describes someone as unattractive or signifies rejection.
- 03'Brain rot' refers to the fatigue from excessive media consumption.
- 04The phrase 'six seven' expresses uncertainty and has become popular among younger speakers.
- 05'Six-seven' was recognized as the Oxford Children’s Slang Word of 2025.
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The evolving landscape of contemporary English is significantly influenced by younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Y. New terms such as 'riz', an abbreviation for charisma, reflect a playful approach to language, indicating charm or attractiveness. Another term, 'chopped', can describe someone as unattractive or signify rejection. The phrase 'brain rot' captures the fatigue associated with excessive media consumption, particularly from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This term, which has historical roots dating back to Henry David Thoreau, illustrates how cultural contexts have shifted while the core meaning remains intact. Additionally, the ambiguous phrase 'six seven' has emerged as a popular expression of uncertainty among younger speakers, often accompanied by hand gestures. This phrase gained traction from the rap song 'Doot Doot' by Skrilla and has been embraced by children and athletes alike. Recognized as the Oxford Children’s Slang Word of 2025, 'six-seven' showcases the dynamic nature of language as it adapts to modern communication styles.
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