where-does-aversion-to-slang-come-from Internet Slang

Internet Slang

Where Does the Aversion to Slang Come From?

About this topic

Have you ever felt 'I don't like that' or 'language is being corrupted' when seeing or hearing internet slang? This question digs into where that aversion comes from. Multiple factors intertwine: generational value differences, attachment to 'correct' language, feelings of exclusion from communities, or simply habitual differences. What social and psychological mechanisms are at work when we label slang as 'dirty words'?

Conceptual positions
01 Generational Gap Theory

The view that aversion to slang mainly arises because older generations cannot understand youth culture. The root is a sense of alienation: 'this is not our language.'

02 Language Order Maintenance Theory

The view that slang disrupts language rules and lowers communication quality. A sense of crisis over losing 'correct Japanese' generates the aversion.

03 Power and Exclusion Theory

The view that disliking slang is an unconscious attitude of viewing certain communities (especially youth and net users) as 'inferior' and trying to exclude them.

Talk entry points

  1. Have you ever felt 'I don't like that' when seeing slang? What word was it?

  2. What reasons come to mind when you think about why you dislike slang?

  3. How did you feel when you saw your parents or teachers disliking slang?

  4. Is there a reason you try not to use slang yourself?

  5. What values do you think the feeling that 'slang is corrupted language' comes from?

  6. What do you think is the difference between feeling aversion to slang and feeling fondness for it?

Conceptual tensions
Purity vsLively Change
The tension between valuing keeping language 'correct' and valuing language as something that lives and changes. Slang symbolizes the latter.
Exclusion vsInclusion
The tension between the risk of excluding certain generations or communities by disliking slang and the inclusive attitude of wanting words everyone can use.
Talk note

This topic is not about judging slang as 'right or wrong,' but about exploring together why those emotions arise. Without blaming your own aversion, quietly look at 'where it comes from.'

Glossary
Slang Aversion
Negative feelings toward internet slang or youth language. Often felt due to perceived corruption of language, decline in dignity, or exclusivity.
Linguistic Purism
The position that language should maintain its 'correct' form and that change or influx of new words is undesirable. Based on traditional views of language.
Talk prompts
Ice breaker

What slang word made you think 'I don't like that' the most? Why did you feel that way?

Deep dive

If you had grown up in a world with no slang at all, how do you think your sense toward language would be different?

Bridge

When you feel 'I don't like that' upon hearing someone use slang, try putting that momentary emotion into words and sharing it with the other person.

Further questions
  • Why do people who dislike slang feel that the word is 'not their word'?
  • How does the reaction change when slang enters public spaces (news, textbooks)?
  • Who decides what 'correct Japanese' is?
  • Isn't the emotion of disliking slang actually a sadness about 'no longer being young'?