Show Intro

It's about damn time we lightened it up, like fully and completely, Jesse. And I thought what better way than to catch you up with modern slang. Who knows? Maybe it'll make your next barn sale even more fun!

(JH) And Jesse...I'm gonna start REALLY easy. This first batch comes from FOX 5's Tyler Thrasher. Here goes:

"Clanker" is a derogatory term for robots or artificial intelligence. The term originated from the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series, where it was used as a slur for battle droids, and is now being used again as robots and AI become more prominent in daily life, according to a video of middle schoolers explaining "Clanker" to their teacher, user @mr_lindsay_sped, on TikTok.

If your middle-school student is used to a Roomba at home cleaning the floors, you may start to hear the word "clanker" being thrown around as if they are having an argument with one another.

"Crashout" means to "throw a fit," "lash out," or have a "meltdown". The term has a new meaning for Gen Alpha, as previous generations used it to mean "go to sleep hard." This one has been around a bit longer than "Clanker," but is likely the most common Gen Alpha slang term you will hear going into this new school year.

To be honest, at least this one has some usefulness for adults as well. Because doesn't inflation, traffic and the 5 a.m. alarm make us all want to "crashout?"

"67" is from a viral meme associated with the song "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Skrilla. It is also linked to NBA star LaMelo Ball, who is 6'7" tall. It can be used for basketball references, to mean someone is "very tall," or in a comedic context to mean "so-so."

Chopped - No, parents. This isn't a reference to The Food Network. "Chopped," in this context, means "bad," "ruined," "messed up" or of "poor quality."

"Wow, did you see McKynleigh's outfit today? It is chopped."

SDIYBT - Where do we even begin with this one? Here goes nothing. This is a niche internet acronym with conflicting definitions, including "Start diggin in yo butt twin" from a SpongeBob meme and "Stay driven, inspire yourself, be true." It is an internet acronym blending casual speech and texting culture.

It is more likely the first one they're referencing, if we are being totally honest.

Meltmaxxing- is a meme where you film yourself appearing to "melt" by letting your face go slack and double-chinned.

The term Opp is a shortened version of "your enemy.

Aura, an updated version of "vibe," refers to their perceived stylishness and strong presence.

Maxxing, which is a slang term for optimizing one's physical appearance. (which we covered in a past episode)

Skibidi is an oldie but goldie. A nonsensical term used to describe something chaotic or unexpected, often referencing a popular series of online videos.

Alpha Sigma is still a title for an individual who is perceived as a leader, confident, and popular, often used in a humorous or ironic context. (JH) But Sigma alone means kind of B-Tiered person.

Rizz is a term for one's ability to charm or flirt with another person. It is a shortened form of the word "charisma."

And, of course, Ohio, which is often used in a meme to describe something strange, out of place, or chaotic.

(JH) Take a mental break for a moment, Jesse. I found a great article about slang from Florida Today who writes;

"School has been in session for almost an entire month already. Have your kids or the teachers in your life added any new words to their vocabulary?

Internet slang is already confusing enough; now, it seems like there are enough new words and phrases to create another language, spoken solely between Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, some of&

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved.

But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog.

***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***

Hero Organizations:

80,000 Hours

Center for Humane Technologies

State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy

Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!