The Emergence of “Shade” in 2017’s Vernacular
2017 was a pivotal year for the transformation of colloquial expressions, with the term “shade” taking center stage. Originally stemming from black and Latino drag culture, as so poignantly showcased in the 1990 documentary ‘Paris is Burning,’ it refers to a subtle, indirect form of insult or disrespect. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, played a critical role in catapulting ‘throwing shade’ into mainstream dialogue. Celebrities and online influencers often ‘threw shade’ through clever, cryptic comments, leading to a burst of media articles dissecting their online interactions.
The Surge of Snappy Slang: A Lexical Feast
Slang terms in 2017 developed from various sources, adopting a snappy, concise nature. Phrases like “on fleek,” expressing something that’s perfectly executed, traveled from Vine to every corner of the internet. “Tea,” another popular term for gossip or truth-revealing information, experienced a surge in use, hailing from the drag community and spilling into the world through reality TV and social media shares. Such terms offered a dynamic and playful way to communicate complex emotions and situations in a fast-paced digital environment.
The Rise of “Lit” and “Savage”: Slang’s Power Players
“Lit” and “savage” emerged as the power players of 2017 slang. “Lit” found its origins in descriptions of intoxication but evolved into a term used to signify anything exciting, fun, or excellent. From raucous parties to successful events, ‘lit’ became the go-to descriptor for a vibrant experience. Meanwhile, “savage” transitioned from its traditional meaning to depict someone who acts without regard for consequences, often in a humorous or impressive manner. Memes, viral tweets, and even advertising campaigns embraced these terms, making them ubiquitous components of everyday language.
“Ghosting”: The Vocabulary of Modern Relationships
In the changing landscape of dating and relationships, “ghosting” became the definitive term for sudden and unexplained contact cessation. Stemming from the imagery of a ghost disappearing, this word effectively encapsulates the concept of someone going silent in a relationship without any closure. The rise of online dating apps where connections were fleeting contributed significantly to the term’s prevalence. Personal stories of ghosting flooded online forums, thereby anchoring the term firmly into the 2017 lexicon.
“Salty” and “Extra”: Expressions of Emotion in Slang
The expressions “salty” and “extra” provided fresh, colorful ways to describe emotions in digital communication. “Salty,” once maritime lingo, evolved into slang for being upset, bitter, or agitated, often in a somewhat humorous context. Social media anecdotes and popular sitcoms quoted characters being ‘salty’ over trivial matters, widening its appeal. On the other hand, “extra,” a term associated with excess, was reclaimed to describe over-the-top or dramatic behavior. From reality TV stars to high school students, being ‘extra’ became a tongue-in-cheek self-acknowledgment of one’s propensity for dramatic flair.
The Social Media Influence on Slang Evolution
Social media has undeniably been the driving force behind the evolution and spread of slang, with platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter acting as incubators for new phrases and expressions. Hashtags and viral content allow slang to travel at unprecedented speeds, while the constant quest for online identity and community belonging fuels the adoption of novel terms. Influencers and regular users alike coin and spread slang, with popular phrases quickly permeating diverse cultural groups and geographical boundaries, making 2017 a landmark year for the expansion and celebration of creative vernacular prowess.
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