When Tony Thorne first started researching slang, he was largely on his own. This was in the ’80s, when, according to Thorne, the academic community “virtually ignored” slang as a part of linguistics.

Time-saving online abbreviations like LOL, OMG, and IMHO are now part of the official English language. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) announced the addition of several acronyms to its dictionary ...

Terms like “Skibidi,” “Tradwife,” “Work Wife,” and “Delulu” have all made their way to the Cambridge Dictionary this year, giving a glimpse at the ever-evolving nature of the English language. Most of ...

Gen Z internet slang is shaping how English is used online, from social media to everyday conversation. This lesson breaks down popular expressions, explains what they actually mean, and shows how ...

The digital language can be a complex world, but many use it to find laughter and meaningful connection with others. For people older than 25 (or anyone who is not chronically online) digital slang ...

Language change is driven by its younger speakers. Source: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels Every language has its stock of basic terms and concepts. In English, words like “table” and “chair” seem as fixed ...

This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present and surface delightful treasures. Sign up here. I love the way that people talk ...