The Evolution of Gen Z Slang and Its Roots in African American Language
Scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or watching reality TV, one might think that the younger generation speaks a completely different language. Terms like “rizz,” which means charisma; “cap,” meaning to lie; and “lit,” referring to something enjoyable, are just a few examples of how Gen Z communicates today. These words are not only shaping online interactions but also influencing in-person conversations. However, beneath the surface lies a deeper story about the origins of these terms and the cultural significance they carry.
Many of these slang terms have their roots in Black subcultures, particularly in early hip-hop and underground drag culture. These expressions were once considered improper speech by mainstream society, associated with the uneducated and poor. Today, however, they have become the default dialect for an entire generation, regardless of race, region, or class. Despite this widespread use, critics argue that the Black origins of African American Language (AAVE) are often erased, and non-Black individuals use these terms without fully understanding their cultural context.
Jamaal Muwwakkil, a sociocultural anthropologist and linguist at the University of Washington, highlights the importance of recognizing the history behind these words. He points out that many of the popular Gen Z slang terms can be traced back to AAVE, a dialect with unique grammar, pronunciation patterns, and regional vocabulary. According to Muwwakkil, AAVE is a fully formed language with deep cultural significance, not just a random collection of words.
For example, the word “rizz,” which was declared the “word of the year” by Oxford University Press in 2023, was created and popularized by Black Twitch streamer Kai Cenat in 2022. Similarly, “cap,” often used as “no cap” to mean “truthfully,” has roots in 2010s Atlanta rap music. Other terms like “unc,” short for uncle, and “drip,” referring to high fashion, also have origins in rap music from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Words such as “slay” and “periodt” have connections to the Black queer community and drag culture.
African American Language also features unique grammatical structures, such as using “I been drank that” instead of “I did drink that.” These structural rules make AAVE a distinct and sophisticated dialect, not a product of randomness.
In the internet era, these linguistic innovations have spread globally, influencing cultures and generations through music, social media, and television. While some individuals are praised for using these terms, others face criticism for appropriating them without understanding their origins.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar, who is Black, won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his album “Damn,” which was recognized for its authentic vernacular and rhythmic dynamism. In contrast, rapper Jack Harlow, who is white, faced backlash after claiming that his music became “Blacker” when he switched to R&B. Public figures like actor Awkwafina and rapper Bhad Bhabie have also been accused of using AAVE to create edgy personas without a genuine cultural connection.
Sonja Lanehart, a linguistics professor at the University of Arizona, defines AAVE as a language spoken by or among African Americans that has evolved over centuries. She emphasizes that while AAVE is deeply rooted in Black culture, it is not exclusive to African Americans. Lanehart notes that the language reflects the creativity and resistance of Black communities throughout history.
According to Muwwakkil, AAVE was born out of struggle, trauma, and resilience. Enslaved Africans from various regions of the continent used language to connect with one another, creating a form of communication that was both practical and resistant to assimilation. This historical context is essential for understanding the depth and complexity of AAVE.
The Ebonics Controversy of 1996, when the Oakland school board recognized Ebonics as a primary language, sparked national debate. Although the initiative was eventually rolled back, AAVE had already gained recognition beyond majority Black communities.
While not all Gen Z slang is rooted in AAVE, Minnie Annan, a linguistics lecturer at Georgetown University, notes that the inspiration behind many of these terms often comes from AAVE. She describes this as a beautiful Venn diagram, where the influence of AAVE overlaps with modern slang.
Muwwakkil believes that the disparity in how AAVE is celebrated and appropriated is jarring. He argues that the same vernacular and actions that are deemed uneducated when performed by Black people are often celebrated when adopted by non-Black individuals.
Singer Madonna, for instance, has faced criticism for exploiting Black culture, including using Black style and language to reinvent herself. Her actions have raised questions about the lack of credit given to the creators of movements like vogue, which were primarily led by Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ community.
Annan stresses that ignoring the origins of AAVE is unacceptable. She argues that dismissing the history and ingenuity behind the language is akin to denying centuries of cultural contributions. For her, AAVE is a testament to linguistic dexterity, not a broken system.
