The digital age has ushered in a new era of linguistic evolution, with platforms like TikTok serving as fertile ground for language innovation among Malaysian youth. These platforms have become dynamic spaces where viral trends and expressions rapidly reshape everyday communication, often leaving older generations to decipher the evolving lexicon.
Linguists consider this phenomenon a natural part of language development. Prof Emeritus Datuk Nik Safiah Karim, former president of the Malaysian Linguistic Association, notes that each generation strives to establish its unique linguistic identity. The speed of social media accelerates this process, with slang now spreading at an unprecedented pace, with trends emerging and evolving within days. Dr Nik Nur Ainin Soffiya Nik Mat, a senior lecturer at the University of Malaya, observes that for today's youth, social media is not merely a place they visit but a space they inhabit, fostering a hybrid communication style that blends global influences with local nuances.
Education researcher Lim Jia Wei from Universiti Malaya highlights that slang plays a crucial role in helping young people signal group identity and foster a sense of belonging. The shared understanding and use of specific discourse create a strong sense of community. Research indicates that social media is the most influential source for Malaysian Generation Z in acquiring TikTok slang, with friends playing a more significant role than family in its dissemination. Studies show that 52% of students in Malaysia frequently use TikTok slang in communication. The primary motivation for using slang is entertainment (73.5%).
The impact of these digital trends is so significant that slang can even find its way into formal dictionaries. Dr Nik Soffiya points to "rizz" as a prime example, which was named the Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2023. This term, believed to be derived from "charisma," exemplifies how slang originating from online platforms can achieve mainstream recognition and linguistic legitimacy. The widespread adoption of such terms underscores the dynamic interplay between digital culture and formal language.
The emergence of TikTok slang among Malaysian youth is a clear reflection of language's inherent ability to adapt to new cultural and technological landscapes. While it introduces novel expressions into daily discourse, it also underscores the importance of context and audience awareness in effective communication. This ongoing linguistic evolution, fueled by viral trends and digital interaction, continues to shape how Malaysian youth express themselves and connect with one another.