Parenting Gen Alpha |
The linguistic contributions Gen Zers brought to our society are officially vintage in the face of Gen Alpha’s influence. Born after 2010, this iPad generation is fluent in a rapidly evolving language that leaves many parents scratching their heads.
Words and phrases that once felt like the cutting edge of cool, like "lit" or "fire," are now gathering digital dust. For parents, it feels like the gap between generations has never been wider, as our teens communicate in a code of memes, viral trends, and game references. Parents find themselves asking, "Is this a curse, a dance move, or a video game boss I should know about?"
Trying to have a conversation with a Gen Alpha teen can feel like stepping into a never-ending "Skibidi Toilet" meme—bizarre, fast-paced, and hard to follow. It’s not just about knowing the words; it’s about understanding the cultural ecosystem those words belong to.
Many parents express frustration, saying, “It’s like we’re not speaking the same language anymore,” or outright dismiss the new slang as being too reductionist, or degenerate. What was once straightforward communication now feels like navigating an inside joke. However, by embracing the nuances of our teens’ worldview, we can begin to bridge the communication gap.
Described by some as "cringe" or even "brain rot," this generation’s slang often leaves parents feeling out of the loop, and sometimes downright stupid, as they attempt to decode it. Terms like "negative aura" have replaced the familiar Gen Z phrase "bad vibes," and while the meaning may be similar, the shift in language can make parents feel like they’re always a step behind.
Take the word "sigma," for example. To Gen Alpha, calling someone "sigma" means they’re cool or a leader. Meanwhile, "Ohio" has taken on the meaning of something cringe-worthy or embarrassing. And if your teens say they "have rizz," don’t panic—the word was added to the dictionary in 2023 and just means that they have charm or charisma.
At the heart of every generation’s linguistic evolution is the desire to differentiate themselves from those who came before. Each generation creates new phrases and trends not only to connect with their peers on a deeper level but also to separate themselves from previous generations. This creates a social gap that can make communication with parents feel strained.
The culture Gen Alpha is creating—through slang, social media trends, and online memes—is a living, breathing expression of their values, humor, worldview, and communication style. It is important to remember that the teenage years are a time of individuation, socialization, and identity formation.
Thanks to social media, Gen Alpha slang has evolved more rapidly but still serves the same purpose, which is for adults to not understand. Teens know they are at times annoying their parents, and they mean to. It’s important to allow our teens to have their own language and space to be themselves. While researching the new slang is an option, asking your child what they mean, or reflecting back what you understood, will help your teen feel heard. Curiosity is the most important aspect of parenting; rather than trying to crack the code of Gen Alpha slang, the key is being attuned to their emotions.
As confusing as Gen Alpha’s communication style may seem, it's important to remember that this is developmentally appropriate and a natural part of the individuation process.
As parents, we have the privilege of witnessing our children’s identities unfold, and by embracing their unique expressions, we can bridge the generational gap and foster deeper connections.
References
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Rudolph CW, Rauvola RS, Costanza DP, Zacher H. Generations and Generational Differences: Debunking Myths in Organizational Science and Practice and Paving New Paths Forward. Journal Business Psychology. 2021;36(6):945-967.
Sharifian, F. Cultural Linguistics and Linguistic Relativity. Language Sciences. 2017 59(7): 83-92
Ziatdinov, R, Cilliers, J. Generation Alpha: Understanding the Next Cohort of University Students. European Journal of Contemporary Education. 2021. 10(3): 783-789.