From ‘greeklish’ to ‘engreek’: The new social media slang

·

What does cringe, flex, POS, beef, jet and career mean?

The (new) social media slang is a polyphonic, symbolic language, a cryptic way of communication, which is difficult to decode, serving its primary purpose.

For example, “I cringe” means I feel disgust, disgust, shame, combined with embarrassment, because of another person’s attitude or actions.

“I flex” means I show off.

“POS” is an abbreviation of ‘Parent over shoulder’. It is used either on the phone or in chats, when the father or mother is next to the child while he is talking with his friends.

These are some of the most common words used by young people, both spoken and written, accompanied by emojis, abbreviations, misspellings and missing punctuation and tones.

In the new digital world linguistic deviations from the norm tend to become the norm. The language has been simplified.

Photo: Tracy Le Blanc

“The slang they use on social networks is a very interesting form of communication. He has humour, vitality, self-deprecation and shows a quick wit,” professor Mr. Charalambakis, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics of the University of Athens, said.

Other typical examples of a new kind of “language” are the abbreviations OMG, LOL, FYI, which are now official in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Is the Greek language in danger?

“Most slang words are lost over time. Language has its own way of self-purification”, points out Mr. Charalambakis.

“We used to be afraid of Greeklish. Today, philologists enter the classrooms and talk about Greeklish and the children don’t know what it is. Now it is a trend to use engreek (Greek-English), to write English words with Greek characters. There are words with a certain time limit of life”, said Ms. Georgalou, Assistant Professor of Sociolinguistics and Discourse Analysis at the University of Western Macedonia.

Source: tovima.gr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria to hold Leadership Networking Event

The Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria is hosting its highly anticipated Leadership Networking Event on Sunday, February 9.

Ashes cricket hopeful Sam Konstas eyes UK county stint

Rising Greek Australian cricket star Sam Konstas is in discussions for a short-term county cricket deal in the United Kingdom.

George Kambosos Jr eyes redemption with Sydney showdown

Former world champion George Kambosos Jr. insists he is far from finished as he prepares for his first fight in Sydney since 2016.

Greek Community Women’s Cup delivers thrilling action in opening rounds

The Greek Community Women’s Cup kicked off with a series of matches, showcasing rivalries, tactical battles, and standout performances.

Marcus Stoinis announces shock retirement from one-day international cricket

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket just weeks before the Champions Trophy.

You May Also Like

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia George Papacostas sends message for OXI Day

Αγαπητοί συμπατριώτες,          H 28η Οκτωβρίου 1940 αποτελεί μία ημερομηνία σταθμό στη διαχρονική πορεία του έθνους μας, καθότι συμπυκνώνει σε μία ιστορική στιγμή τα συλλογική...

George Calombaris sells Toorak mansion to help settle $8.5 million debt

Former Masterchef Australia judge George Calombaris has sold his mansion in Melbourne's Toorak for an undisclosed fee as he looks to settle a remaining $8.5 million debt.

History making Matildas team selected for Paris Olympics

The 18-strong Matildas team to compete at Paris 2024 has been announced today by the Australian Olympic Committee at Sydney Olympic Park.