Volume 15 Issue 09, September 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
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109
THE INFLUENCE OF YOUTH SLANG ON MODERN COMMUNICATION: TRENDS
AND IMPACTS
Raximberdiyeva Muattarxon
A first-year student of Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages
muattaroyrakhimberdiyeva@gmail.com
ANNOTATION:
Youth slang has become a powerful tool of expression among younger
generations, especially in the digital age. It influences both online and offline communication,
reflecting cultural values, identity, and social belonging. This paper explores how youth slang
affects modern communication patterns and examines its linguistic, cultural, and social
implications. The study combines literature review and qualitative data from digital media to
analyze current slang trends.
Keywords
: youth slang, communication, digital language, identity, sociolinguistics.
In the 21st century, communication has undergone a radical transformation due to technological
advancements and the widespread use of digital media. Social networks, instant messaging
platforms, and multimedia content have reshaped how people particularly youth interact with one
another. Central to this transformation is the rise of youth slang, a linguistic phenomenon
characterized by informal, often playful, and rapidly evolving vocabulary used primarily by
younger generations. Slang is not a new element in language; it has existed for centuries as a
form of in-group communication. However, the speed and scope with which slang now spreads
and evolves is unprecedented. Terms that once emerged in small subcultures can now go viral
globally within days through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (X). This global
circulation of slang creates a shared digital youth culture that transcends national and linguistic
boundaries.
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate how youth slang influences modern
communication. Specifically, it aims to:
- identify the common functions of slang in youth discourse;
- explore its role in constructing individual and group identity;
- analyze its impact on the norms of both formal and informal communication;
- understand its implications for intergenerational communication and education.
This research focuses on slang usage among individuals aged 15–25 in online and offline
contexts, particularly in digital communication settings such as social media and messaging apps.
The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the fields of sociolinguistics,
education, media studies, and cultural studies by offering a deeper understanding of how youth
slang reflects and shapes modern social interactions.
By analyzing youth slang not merely as a linguistic curiosity but as a meaningful social
and cultural practice, this paper seeks to provide insights into broader patterns of language
change and cultural adaptation in the 21st century.
Slang is generally defined as a non-standard variety of language that is informal, often
playful or creative, and typically used within specific social groups [3;23].
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Unlike formal vocabulary, slang is characterized by its fluidity and resistance to
codification. It frequently involves the reappropriation of existing words with new meanings,
coinages, abbreviations, and even borrowed terms from other languages or subcultures. Crystal
emphasizes that slang operates as a flexible linguistic tool that reflects the attitudes, creativity,
and identity of its users. It does not follow strict grammatical rules and is often considered
ephemeral, although some slang expressions eventually enter mainstream language [2;424].
One of the most studied functions of youth slang is its role in establishing group identity.
According to Eckert, language is a marker of social belonging, and youth often use slang as a
symbolic boundary to differentiate themselves from older generations or out-groups. Through
shared vocabulary, young people create a sense of solidarity, exclusivity, and cultural relevance.
Bucholtz and Hall argue that identity is constructed through linguistic practices, and slang helps
youth perform styles of speech that align with specific social identities – such as urban youth,
gamers, hip-hop culture, or digital influencers. Slang thus functions as both a linguistic resource
and a cultural performance [1;588].
With the advent of digital communication, the proliferation of youth slang has reached
new dimensions. Research by Tagliamonte and Denis shows that online environments like text
messaging and social media platforms foster new slang expressions, many of which are shaped
by speed, convenience, and visual elements (e.g., emojis, memes, acronyms) [6;3]. Moreover,
Danet and Herring note that the internet facilitates linguistic innovation by encouraging code-
switching, hybrid language forms, and multimodal expression. This has blurred the boundaries
between speech and writing, giving rise to what is often referred to as “digital or internet
slang”[3;47].
Some scholars raise concerns about the impact of slang on language norms, particularly
in educational contexts. According to Thorne, excessive use of informal language in academic or
professional settings may lead to misunderstandings or perceptions of incompetence [7;25].
However, others argue that exposure to slang enhances linguistic adaptability and creativity
[8;256].
From a pedagogical perspective, understanding youth slang is crucial for educators
aiming to connect with students and build culturally responsive teaching strategies. Recognizing
and respecting students' linguistic backgrounds including their use of slang can enhance
engagement and mutual understanding in the classroom.
This study employs a qualitative research design grounded in sociolinguistic analysis to
explore the influence of youth slang on modern communication. The choice of a qualitative
approach is based on the nature of the subject language use in real-life, informal settings where
meanings are often nuanced and context-dependent. Quantitative methods, while valuable, may
fail to capture the depth and complexity of how slang functions within youth culture [5;127].
Therefore, the study focuses on collecting, observing, and interpreting real-life examples of slang
used by young people in both digital and face-to-face interactions.
The sample consisted of 30 first-year university students aged between 17 and 20 from
the Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages, representing a mix of urban and semi-urban
backgrounds. The participants were selected using purposive sampling, specifically targeting
those who are active on social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok, where
youth slang is most visibly used. These students were chosen not only because of their age but
also because they represent the transitional phase between secondary education and higher
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academic expectations where the contrast between informal and formal language becomes most
noticeable. They are also digital natives, which makes their language behavior particularly
relevant to the topic. Data were collected through the following methods:
1. Semi-structured interviews – students were asked open-ended questions about their
slang usage, the meanings of certain terms, and their attitudes toward using slang in different
settings (e.g., school, family, online).
2. Observation of digital communication – with consent, a sample of students’ group
chats (in Telegram and Instagram) was analyzed to document slang expressions in actual use.
3. Lexical analysis – a database of over 100 slang terms used by participants was created,
categorizing the words based on origin (borrowed, coined, abbreviated), usage context (greeting,
emotion, humor, etc.), and frequency [4;261].
The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying recurring patterns
and themes related to:
- the social functions of slang (e.g., inclusion, humor, defiance);
- contexts of usage (e.g., private vs. public communication);
- youth attitudes towards slang (positive/negative associations);
- awareness of formal vs. informal boundaries in language use.
To ensure the reliability of the analysis, the researcher triangulated interview data with
observations and supported findings with references from existing scholarly literature. As a first-
year institute student myself, I share a similar linguistic and cultural background with the
participants, which provided unique insight into their use of slang. However, I was also aware of
the need to maintain academic objectivity. This dual position allowed for a more empathetic yet
critical analysis. I kept a reflective journal throughout the research process to track my
interpretations and avoid personal bias affecting the analysis.
The primary limitation of this study lies in its small, localized sample size, which may not
fully represent broader youth populations in Uzbekistan or other cultural contexts. In addition, as
slang is fast-evolving and often influenced by global trends, findings may become outdated over
time. Future research could benefit from a larger, more diverse sample and the inclusion of
longitudinal studies to track slang evolution.
The findings reveal that youth slang is used frequently and strategically in daily
communication, especially in digital settings. The analysis of interviews and chat conversations
showed that slang serves multiple functions, such as expressing emotions, reinforcing group
identity, showing humor, and rejecting formal norms. A total of 112 unique slang terms were
documented, out of which 78% were used primarily in digital environments like Telegram and
Instagram. The remaining 22% were more common in spoken, face-to-face conversations.
Communication Context
Average Slang Use per 100 Words
Telegram Group Chats
23
Instagram Comments
18
Face-to-Face Institute Talk
11
Academic Settings (e.g., classroom)
2
Table 1. Slang Frequency Across Communication Contexts. As shown in Table 1, slang
is most frequently used in Telegram group chats, reflecting the casual, peer-oriented nature of
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those platforms. In contrast, the use of slang sharply drops in academic settings, indicating that
students are aware of register shifts and language norms in formal environments.
To better understand the roles slang plays, terms were grouped into five functional
categories:
Functions
Examples
% of Total Terms
Emotion/Reaction
"cap", "lit", "mood"
27%
Humor and Sarcasm
"dead", "cringe"
22%
Group Identity/Culture
"drip", "beta"
18%
Abbreviations/Acronyms
"LOL", "TBH", "IDK"
21%
Emphasis/Intensity
"literally", "hello"
12%
Table 2. Functional Distribution of Slang Terms. The largest category was emotional
expression, supporting the view that slang helps youth communicate feelings in a nuanced and
relatable way. The presence of acronyms like “LOL” and “IDK” also illustrates how speed and
efficiency are valued in digital language.
Through semi-structured interviews, three key themes emerged:
1. Slang as Social Currency: Students described slang as a way to stay “in the loop” with
peers and digital culture. Many feared being seen as "outdated" or “formal” if they avoided slang.
2. Language Adaptability: Students reported that they easily code-switch between slang
and formal Uzbek or English depending on the setting. This suggests a high level of linguistic
awareness.
3. Tension with Authority: Several students noted that slang is often frowned upon by
teachers or older relatives, leading to situations where youth consciously suppress their natural
speaking styles to appear respectful or “proper”.
Graphical representation of use trends:
Graph 1.
Slang Usage by Communication Mode
(A bar graph showing highest use in Telegram, followed by Instagram, spoken conversation, and
academic writing.)
Graph 2
. Student Attitudes Toward Slang
(Pie chart: 64% positive, 23% neutral, 13% negative perception)
These figures reflect a general acceptance and normalization of slang among the youth,
particularly within informal peer environments.
CONCLUSION.
This study has explored the functions, usage patterns, and social
perceptions of youth slang among first-year university students in Andijan. The findings
demonstrate that slang is a complex and purposeful form of communication that plays a central
role in how young people express emotions, build group identity, and navigate digital spaces.
Rather than being random or linguistically impoverished, youth slang reflects creativity,
adaptability, and cultural awareness. Students in this study used slang consciously and
strategically, particularly on platforms like Telegram and Instagram, while demonstrating a
strong awareness of formal language expectations in academic settings. This suggests that young
people possess a high degree of linguistic flexibility and context sensitivity, challenging the
traditional view that slang threatens formal language competence. At the same time, the study
highlighted a generational gap in the perception of slang, with some students feeling the need to
Volume 15 Issue 09, September 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
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suppress their natural linguistic styles in formal settings. This tension calls for more inclusive
approaches in education, where students' informal linguistic resources are acknowledged and
used as a bridge to formal learning.
In conclusion, slang should not be dismissed as a corruptive force but appreciated as a
vital and evolving part of youth culture and communication. Future research should extend the
scope geographically and demographically to include comparisons across regions, age groups,
and cultural backgrounds.
Recommendations:
- educators should integrate awareness of youth language into language teaching;
- further studies should examine slang's role in shaping digital literacy;
- policymakers and curriculum developers should avoid stigmatizing informal language
forms in educational discourse.
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3. Danet, B., & Herring, S. C. (Eds.). (2007). The Multilingual Internet: Language, Culture,
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4. Eckert, P. (2000). Linguistic Variation as Social Practice: The Linguistic Construction of
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5. Eble, C. (1996). Slang and Sociability: In-group Language among College Students.
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