Internet Vernacular English: Digital Slang

British and American slang proliferates in today’s interconnected world. Social media platforms are where slang Brit and slang Yankee compete to win young users over through the exchange of memes, tweets or videos. Rapid and viral sharing turns language into a shared asset among cultures and continents. Through their distinctive vernacular, British and American English merge into a global linguistic fabric, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that reflects the fluid nature of modern communication.

Historic evolution

Some famously vulgar four-letter swear words originate from Old or Middle Englishand are commonly used by both British people and Americans. Other expressions simply refuse to cross the Atlantic. For centuries, the British have used terms like ‘blimey’ (God blind me) or ‘bloody hell’ to show surprise or irritation, which Americans rarely use. Although both Brits and Americans now say ‘guy’ meaning ‘man’ or ‘guys’ meaning ‘people’, only British people use the word ‘bloke’ to mean ‘man’. ‘Bro’ is an American term of address to a male friend, whereas Londoners, in particular South Londoners, usually say ‘bruv’. 

‘Cool’, meaning excellent or admirable, originated in the jazz era. Consequently it started in America and spread to the UK with the music. The same cannot be said of ‘awesome’. As far back as the late 16th century it was a common English word meaning ‘inspiring reverential awe or wonder’, but only in 1960s America did it become slang for ‘overwhelming’ or ‘incredible’. The term was used so frequently that its meaning gradually weakened to simply ‘great’.

The auditory landscape

The evolution of podcasting has highlighted further differences. While American podcasts feature terms like ‘dude’ and ‘awesome’, in British podcasts these will appear as ‘mate’ and ‘brilliant’. The language tapestry is enhanced by this auditory landscape, which reflects the divergence of slang.

However, the fusion of traditional and digital media has given rise to linguistic hybrids. Memes, a cornerstone of online culture, encapsulate humour and cultural references, transcending language barriers. Memes featuring British sitcom characters or American pop culture icons serve as a shared language, embodying the interconnected nature of slang in the digital age.

Global Spread

Nowadays, expressions that were once limited to a certain territory are accepted worldwide. The verb ‘to chill’ is common enough for non-mother tongue speakers to use, even though the art of relaxing is more often defined as ‘chillaxing’ by young Brits. Similarly, the British slang term ‘cheeky’, meaning ‘rude’ or ‘impolite’ in an amusing way, is common in the daily discourse of young people around the world. The American word ‘lit’, which has been used for over a century to mean ‘intoxicated’ and more recently has gained the meaning of ‘exciting’ or ‘excellent’, is also widely used outside the English-speaking world. 

Consider the term ‘savage’. Originating from African-American Vernacular English and now adopted globally, it showcases the intricate interplay between cultural appropriation and linguistic evolution. Slang, once confined to regional boundaries, now traverses continents, challenging notions of ownership and sparking conversations about cultural exchange.

Unexpected Similarities

Despite the differences, a curious convergence emerges in the abbreviations used on social media. The use of expressions like LOL (laugh out loud), OMG (oh my God!), WTF? (what the fuck?), IMO (in my opinion), TBH (to be honest) or BRB (be right back) has become a kind of digital lingua franca, transcending national barriers. These linguistic shortcuts provide common ground where British and American slang meet and are now used universally, regardless of the native language of the speaker.

Virality on social media plays a fundamental role in the evolution of slang. An iconic example is represented by expressions like ‘sksksk’ or ‘and I oop’, which are used to express shock, surprise or embarrassment and gained popularity through the TikTok platform. These seemingly meaningless expressions have crossed linguistic barriers, creating a common language among users of different nationalities. The domino effect is so powerful that these new expressions quickly infiltrate everyday conversation.

A Language in Motion

As we peer into the future, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual communication technologies stand poised to influence slang evolution. Chatbots and virtual assistants, with their ability to understand and mimic human language, may contribute to cross-cultural slang adoption. The intersection of technology and language propels slang into uncharted territories, challenging preconceptions and reshaping linguistic landscapes.

As slang continues to evolve, fuelled by social media and pop culture, it’s clear that British and American English will forever be in a linguistic dance. This is not just a comparison of words, but a celebration of the richness and versatility of the English language, embracing change and evolving with society. In an increasingly connected world, slang becomes a bridge between cultures and a means to express the essence of contemporary youth, a language in motion that continually redefines our understanding of the English language.  

across the ocean 

In spite of social media and TV streaming platforms, there are still a lot of differences between British and American English and that is also true of slang, so make sure you know which words work in which country!