NPR's Book of the Day: ‘Algospeak’ by Adam Aleksic

Episode Title: ‘Algospeak’ looks at algorithms' transformative impact on how we speak on and offline
Host: NPR
Release Date: August 5, 2025

In this engaging episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Adrienne Ma delves into the fascinating world of language evolution shaped by modern algorithms. Featuring Adam Aleksic, known online as Etymology Nerd and author of the insightful book Algospeak: How Social Media Transforms Our Language, the episode explores the profound ways in which digital platforms influence our everyday communication.

The Concept of Algospeak

Adam Aleksic introduces the central premise of Algospeak, explaining that algorithms are the new inflection points in the history of human communication. Just as the invention of writing, the printing press, and the Internet revolutionized language, algorithms now play a pivotal role in shaping how we communicate both online and offline.

“We have all these algorithms shaping in groups and echo chambers and where words come from, how words spread, how trends get popularized, how some words are censored, and we have to find ways around that.”
— Adam Aleksic (03:00)

Examples of Algospeak in Action

Aleksic provides compelling examples to illustrate how algorithms influence language. One notable case is the use of the term "unalive" on TikTok. Due to the platform's content moderation policies, the word "kill" is often suppressed, leading creators to adopt "unalive" as a workaround. This linguistic shift has permeated beyond social media, with middle school essays now incorporating the term:

“Now we have kids in middle schools writing essays about Hamlet on aliving himself. And that's an example of social media algorithmic speak bleeding into the mainstream.”
— Adam Aleksic (03:00)

Another striking example is the rapid rise of the word "riz," which originated in 2022 and was popularized by streamer Kai Sanat on Twitch. By the end of 2023, "riz" was recognized as the Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year—a process that would have traditionally taken much longer.

“Because of how algorithms amplify trends, they incentivize creators to use trending metadata because that's a way that creators tap into ongoing fads and stay relevant.”
— Adam Aleksic (03:42)

Memes and Semantic Gaps

Aleksic discusses how new words often fill semantic gaps, providing necessary terms for emerging concepts. Words like "cancel," "ghosting," and "selfie" have endured because they address specific cultural phenomena that lacked precise descriptors.

“But cancel is going to stay around because that's a useful term for this new Internet concept that we have.”
— Adam Aleksic (04:56)

In contrast, words tied to transient memes, such as "skibidi," tend to fade quickly once they lose their appeal or are co-opted by less engaged groups.

The Influencer Accent and Communication Styles

The episode explores how algorithms influence not just the vocabulary but also the manner of speaking. Aleksic identifies the emergence of the "influencer accent," characterized by rapid speech, increased word stress, and engaging intonations designed to capture and retain audience attention.

“I'll talk faster and I'll stress more words. That's my educational influencer accent.”
— Adam Aleksic (05:48)

This adaptation is a direct response to platform incentives that prioritize engagement. Creators feel compelled to maintain a constant flow of information to prevent "dead air," ensuring that algorithms continue to favor their content.

Democratization vs. Homogenization of Language

While social media platforms democratize language by allowing anyone to contribute, Aleksic points out that algorithms can also lead to linguistic homogenization. Popular trends can overshadow niche expressions, narrowing the diversity of language used across platforms.

“There are words that get pushed because they are kind of broadly appealing. And once you put yourself in a box as well, it can narrow your scope of what you're saying.”
— Adam Aleksic (08:16)

Despite this, Aleksic maintains a balanced perspective, emphasizing that language evolution driven by algorithms is a natural adaptation rather than a detrimental change.

“Language is a proxy for culture, and by following the conduits of language change, you can sort of understand more of where we're heading as a society.”
— Adam Aleksic (09:22)

Conclusion

Adam Aleksic’s Algospeak offers a thought-provoking examination of how algorithms are reshaping language at an unprecedented pace. Through examples and insightful analysis, the book highlights both the positive and challenging aspects of this transformation. While algorithms facilitate rapid dissemination and adoption of new terms, they also streamline communication in ways that may limit linguistic diversity. Aleksic concludes that this evolution is a reflection of human adaptability, suggesting that while the medium may change, the essence of human communication remains resilient.

For listeners interested in the intersection of technology, language, and culture, Algospeak provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of how our digital world is redefining the way we express ourselves.

Notable Quotes:

• “We have all these algorithms shaping in groups and echo chambers...”
  — Adam Aleksic (03:00)

• “Because of how algorithms amplify trends, they incentivize creators to use trending metadata...”
  — Adam Aleksic (03:42)

• “I'll talk faster and I'll stress more words. That's my educational influencer accent.”
  — Adam Aleksic (05:48)

• “Language is a proxy for culture...”
  — Adam Aleksic (09:22)

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments present in the episode transcript, focusing solely on the substantive content relating to the book Algospeak and its exploration of language evolution influenced by algorithms.