When your mom says "lit" unironically, it's officially over.
Language is like fashion—what's hot today can be painfully outdated tomorrow. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the realm of slang. Slang serves as a kind of verbal secret handshake among members of a generation. It's fast-moving, ever-evolving, and often hilariously creative. But nothing stamps an expiration date on it faster than hearing your mom—or any well-meaning older adult—use it in everyday conversation.
The Nature of Slang: Built to Be Exclusive
Slang isn't just about words. It's about identity. When teenagers coin new expressions, they're often creating a linguistic boundary that separates them from the "uncool" world of adulthood. It's a way to build group identity, set trends, and communicate quickly without explanation.
For instance, terms like "on fleek," "yeet," and "slaps" started as inside jokes or niche expressions that spiraled into mass adoption. But once they make it to a family group chat or a corporate advertisement, the magic disappears. Why? Because slang thrives in the shadows, not under the bright lights of mainstream acceptance.
The Inevitable Leak Into Mainstream
Slang rarely stays within the generation that creates it. Thanks to the internet, especially platforms like TikTok and Twitter, these once-exclusive words spread like wildfire. And while that viral spread is often part of the fun, it’s also a death sentence. Once a phrase becomes common knowledge, it loses its edge.
When your mom says something like “this dinner slaps,” or your dad tries to explain that a new lawnmower is “straight fire,” you’re left with the awkward realization that the word no longer carries the coolness it once did.
Why Parents Adopt Slang in the First Place
Let’s be fair—parents aren't using slang to ruin it. They're often trying to connect. Saying what their kids say feels like a bridge, a way to show they're paying attention. It can even be endearing, albeit slightly cringey. But in the delicate ecosystem of coolness, that kind of cross-generational adoption throws everything off balance.
Slang, by design, isn't meant to be universal. Once it is, its job is done.
The Slang Lifecycle: From Birth to Banality
Every piece of slang follows a predictable path:
- Invention – A small group starts using a phrase.
- Adoption – It spreads within a peer group.
- Explosion – Social media boosts it into the mainstream.
- Assimilation – Brands, media, and adults catch on.
- Extinction – It becomes cringe-worthy and is replaced.
This cycle can take months or mere days, depending on how viral the phrase becomes. In recent years, the window between creation and obsolescence has shrunk dramatically.
What Replaces Retired Slang?
When a word like "lit" dies, it doesn’t mean the concept it represented disappears. Instead, it's replaced by something fresh. “Lit” became “fire,” which became “goated,” and so on. The concepts remain—excitement, excellence, humor—but the packaging evolves. This ensures that language remains vibrant and expressive, continually reshaped by those who use it most.
The Humor and Heart in All This
There’s something funny—and oddly heartwarming—about seeing your mom try to use slang. It’s a reminder that language, even when used awkwardly, is about connection. Yes, the cool factor may take a hit, but the effort shows curiosity, care, and a desire to be part of your world.
And let’s be honest: someday, we’ll be those parents, earnestly misusing the next generation’s vernacular. Maybe that’s just how language is meant to work—breaking the rules, getting redefined, and eventually becoming a bridge between generations, even if it makes our kids groan.
