Navigating the Evolution of Communication
Language has always been a living, breathing entity. It changes as people change, reflecting cultural shifts, technological advances, and generational attitudes. But it also makes sense according to the “Laws of Correspondence.” Today, we’re witnessing one of the most dramatic evolutions of language in recent memory, and it’s fascinating, polarizing, and sometimes downright baffling.
The lingo has changed. And not just a little—it’s twisted, reimagined, and reshaped in ways that can make even the savviest conversationalists feel like outsiders. But is this evolution a sign of creativity, a quest for efficiency, or simply a way to bond within specific tribes? Or maybe your intention is NOT to bond. Like, the reason you wear your pants, like, below your waste, or even down to your, like, your knees is because you want to, like, give off the idea of, like, belonging to one side of the culture and that you’re rebelling against the other–type shit.
I’m being funny, but the truth is, for sure, we don’t need to worry about you successfully robbing a bank if this is who you are, with one hand holding up your trousers to keep from stumbling or tripping over yourself while in the other hand is the bag of money (with the soon to explode die pack) and the awkwardly held 9mm.
The New Lingo: Breaking it Down
Let’s paint the picture: You walk into a room and say something like, “Hey, I love you guys’ cars outside, but they’re bein robbed right now.” Instead of alarm or action, you’re met with responses like “Whatchoo meeeeen??” or “For whaaaaat?!” It’s a peculiar cocktail of humor, nonchalance, and confusion that’s become a hallmark of modern communication.
Or let’s say you sent a text—wait, scratch that—you “texteded” someone instead of saying you “sent a text.” This shift in phrasing reflects how much digital technology has embedded itself into our lives. The tools we use shape the way we talk about them.
Then there’s the omnipresent “type shit.” A conversational filler, a verbal seasoning added to countless exchanges, its meaning is as ambiguous as it is ubiquitous. For one tribe, dropping “type shit” is shorthand for shared understanding. For another, it’s a sign of laziness or lack of authenticity. I actually watched a guy talking to a girl for the first time, and the way he imported this phrase was clearly to align with her, and to inform her that he is on the same page, and that she is speaking his language, or vice a versa.
And herein lies the beauty and the problem: language like this can serve as a unifying code within a community, but it can also isolate and confuse those who don’t speak it fluently. Moreover, it could also be used as a confidence scheme to get what you want since you know that saying, these things calls on an individuals, belief, systems, and norms.
Tribalism and Communication
Each generation creates its own linguistic identity, carving out unique ways to bond and establish a sense of belonging. In the 70s, it was “jive talkin” and “groovy.” The 80s brought us “totally tubular” and a heavy dose of “like.” The 90s leaned into slang like “dope” and “phat,” (or “phat to def”) while the early 2000s transitioned to “Nah mean?” and “straight up,” or “straight like that.” Now, in the age of social media and rapid digital exchange, the language is fragmented, fast, and sometimes fleeting.
The tribal nature of language evolution is undeniable. People who speak the same lingo feel connected, while those who don’t are seen as outsiders. In today’s vernacular, not “gettin it” might earn you the label of “goofy” or “weird.” Or, you’re “giving ghetto,” or “it’s giving toxic.” This dynamic creates an us-versus-them divide that extends beyond mere communication—it’s a commentary on belonging and identity.
Is It Creative or Toxic?
The question is whether this linguistic shift is creative or toxic. On one hand, bending and twisting language can be a form of artistry. Speaking “in code” or inventing new phrases is a way of reclaiming ownership of communication, turning words into cultural currency.
On the other hand, when the goal is to exclude, confuse, or avoid clarity, it risks becoming toxic. If the words you use alienate older generations or other tribes, are you truly communicating, or are you just broadcasting within your bubble?
Bridging the Divide
As someone who has lived through multiple linguistic eras, from “jive talking” to “Nah mean” to the rise of “like” as a conversational crutch, it’s clear that every generation has its quirks. But what’s different now is the speed of change. Social media, memes, and texting have accelerated language evolution to the point where even a five-year gap can feel like a chasm.
Here’s the key: communication is about connection, not exclusion. If you’re using modern lingo to bond with your peers, great. But if you’re trying to communicate with an older generation or a different tribe, there’s value in adapting. Clear communication doesn’t mean abandoning creativity—it means meeting people where they are.
A Call for Reflection
To the younger generation, I say this: recognize the power of your words. Understand that while your lingo may feel natural and authentic to you, it can also box you in. Consider the impression you’re making and whether your words are building bridges or erecting barriers.
To my peers and elders, I say: let’s approach this evolution with curiosity rather than judgment. Language changes, yes, but its purpose remains the same—to connect, to express, and to create meaning.
In the end, we’re all navigating this twisted, evolving, beautiful mess of a language together. Whether you’re “jive talking,” dropping “type shit,” or just trying to keep up, remember that the ultimate goal is understanding—and that’s something we can all strive for, no matter the lingo.
