How the internet is transforming the way we speak
For Gen Z, this evolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, thanks to social media and the internet.
L.R. Turner15 Jan 2025 03:00pm
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Canva
For Gen Z, this evolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, thanks to social media and the internet.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter (now X) have become incubators for new slang, phrases and expressions that swiftly make their way into everyday conversations.
According to a 2023 report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, 94 per cent of Malaysian Gen Z are active on social media platforms, with TikTok and Instagram among their top preferences.
This constant exposure to internet culture accelerates the adoption of online slang into their daily speech.
Terms like “slay,” “periodt,” and “sis”—originating from African American Vernacular English (AAVE)—have gained global traction, including in Malaysia, largely due to the influence of viral content and popular shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
But Gen Z does not merely adopt language—they remix it.
In Malaysia, this means blending internet slang with Manglish (Malaysian English) and local dialects, creating a distinctive linguistic hybrid.
For instance, you might hear a Malaysian Gen Z-er say, “Wah, she slay so much lah!” or “That one confirm periodt!” This playful mix exemplifies Gen Z’s knack for making global trends uniquely their own.
While Malaysian Gen Z push the boundaries of language, they are also navigating the complexities of code-switching—the ability to adapt their speech depending on the context.
This skill is essential for bridging generational and cultural divides, particularly in a multicultural country like Malaysia.
For example, casual chats with friends might feature TikTok slang and Manglish, but formal work meetings or discussions with older family members demand a more traditional approach.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Malaysian Gen Z’s linguistic evolution is the merging of online and offline communication.
Social media trends like “Stan Twitter” and the rise of “relatable” marketing by celebrities and brands have normalised informal, conversational behaviour.
Even companies in Malaysia are catching on.
Local brands like Tealive and Grab have embraced Gen Z’s colloquial language on TikTok, crafting humorous, trend-driven content that resonates with younger audiences.
This strategy has proven wildly successful—just consider the Duolingo TikTok account, which has amassed over 11 million followers globally by leaning into Gen Z humour and trends.
According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, 70 per cent of Gen Z consumers in Asia, including Malaysia, are more likely to engage with brands that use a relatable, down-to-earth tone on social media.
This shift has pushed companies to adapt their marketing strategies, blending professionalism with the casual, trendy language that Gen Z favours.
However, this shift has also created a paradox.
While brands profit from using Gen Z slang, young employees in professional environments are often penalised for the same.
A 2022 report by Ipsos Malaysia revealed that 62 per cent of employers believe Gen Z’s use of “trendy” or “informal” language in workplace communication can come across as unprofessional.
This highlights the need for balance, where Gen Z can embrace their unique linguistic style while recognising the importance of context in formal settings.
Despite these challenges, the way Malaysian Gen Z uses language underscores its ability to connect communities.
Social media has turned language into a shared cultural currency, enabling Gen Z to build bonds through shared humour, references and slang.
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