I suspect that most non-internet users would struggle to understand at least 10% of the lexicon used online nowadays. To an average person, some of these words are nearly incomprehensible. They often lack clear meaning, appear to represent something entirely different, and are likely to be unrelated to your personal interests. If you're someone who often scrolls through social media and catches yourself thinking, "Hmm, what an interesting way to use that (non)word,” this article is for you.

Allow me to present my roundup, which has been influenced by my excessive use of Twitter and other mainstream media platforms. A majority of these expressions deserve in-depth exploration in their own dedicated articles, but I'll do my best to keep it brief. Disclaimer: this compilation is a critique.

The problem with wanting to "Normalize” everything

Carl Sagan said we are but a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. I love the big questions. Where do we come from? Where are we going? Why are we here? And why do we have to normalize everything? Thanks to the internet's technological advancements, sharing our private emotions with the public and seeking validation through online interactions has become incredibly effortless. This form of expression, however, can be viewed as lazy activism, lacking persuasive arguments and respect for the readers' intelligence. Instead, it often boils down to a simplistic demand to "make this normal now!" Granted, some of these expressions are meant as jokes, and those advocating for the normalization of certain things might simply be exhausted from facing constant criticism and judgment for being themselves. But a significant portion of these expressions tend to promote emotionally-driven and self-righteous responses, individualism, a love for controversy, and similar behaviors. Take, for example, the phrase "Normalize canceling out on your loved one's birthday dinner because your 'social battery' (yet another buzzword) is drained and you don't feel like it anymore. I'd rather stay home and watch a new episode of Love Island instead." Okay, this might sound a bit exaggerated, but it highlights the absurdity of many of these "normalize" demands. The concept of self-care has evolved to encompass individual pleasurable actions, such as indulging in a bubble bath or canceling plans, and presenting them as morally worthy or even essential. While the notion of cutting off toxic influences or embracing mantras like "live your best life" and "you are enough" may benefit some people in specific situations, the widespread normalization of narratives emphasizing personal liberation risks further weakening our already fragile social bonds. A scene from the kdrama "Hometown ChaChaCha" perfectly encapsulates this point, as a character remarks, "People should live among people." This quote emphasizes that we are inherently social beings, reliant on connections to truly thrive and survive. As a Reddit user wisely put it, normalize not normalizing everything.

"Females?”: Is women a slur word?

Here's a fun exercise for you: Try searching the word "females" on Twitter and gauge the results. In today’s internet society, "females” is now penciled in at the beginning of every sentence designed to degrade women, a linguistic norm as obligatory as punctuation. Considering the historical context of sexism and gender inequality worldwide, the use of such an animalistic term by men might be seen as a way to demean women and assert their dominant social status. When confronted about their use of such derogatory language, these men often dismiss it by claiming "it's not that deep” – how many times have we heard that one before? – and that they as individuals "are in no way sexist." Here is just one of many reasons why "female” is an ugly way to address women: as a noun, it reduces women to being mere animals or specimens, treated as objects to be categorized and put in boxes. While the intention behind using the term may seem neutral or even scientific, the language itself can be bureaucratically formal, which in itself is dehumanizing. Alternatively, it implies that our identity as sexually dimorphic beings outweighs any shared human experiences or cultural backgrounds we may have. In either case, using this language is deeply concerning, as it reinforces these negative connotations verbally and perpetuates the idea that being biologically female takes precedence over all other aspects of our humanity. There’s more: "hoes,” "bitches,” "broads”... they like their pejorative terms, don't they? And didn't their very similarity suggest premeditation? Or perhaps it’s the opposite. It's possible that, in many cases, it's not a conscious action, but that is precisely what makes it so potent and dire to address. This kind of language reveals a subtle yet insidious form of disrespect. Putting an end to such language becomes all the more necessary, as power thrives when it operates so discreetly that it escapes notice.

Why "Pick-mes” are a threat to themselves and other women

I don't know how many times I’ve watched pick-me interactions on Twitter play out. It becomes a repeating cycle: a tweet along the lines "Feminists won’t like this but if my man wants me to cook three fresh meals a day, I’ll do it,” followed by the universally shocked expression from men that women "like this still exist”, and finishing with being wholly charmed by whatever interaction they had with her. If I were to envision this scenario, I see the male gazes fixed upon her, never wavering as she revels in the attention. Their smiles are filled with male pride and appreciation for her. Certain people argue that this term is being misused, but these opinions tend to come from individuals falling into specific categories: men and those who may seek validation from them - pick-mes. It is understandable to have controversial views about the community or demographic you belong to, but it becomes concerning when such views inadvertently amplify the voices of those who genuinely hold negative opinions about your community. Love sport and video games? Fine. What's not fine is saying "Not all girls like makeup and clothes. Some of us can tell the difference between FIFA and PES. Yes, we exist." Prefer male friends to female friends? Fine. What's not fine is saying "Girls are so emotional and overly sensitive. There's less drama when you hang around guys." I've only observed this term being used in that context, and I firmly believe it's essential to hold these women accountable. They seem to prioritize pleasing the male gaze above all else, neglecting any genuine use of intellect. By assuming the role of mere accessories, they inadvertently amplify harmful male opinions and contribute to the perpetuation of damaging stereotypes. When this harm becomes real and affects women in the long term, they inadvertently reinforce the excuses that justify such mistreatment.

Mental health is becoming a convenient excuse for smelly behavior

The language and imagery of therapy have permeated every aspect of our lives. Even in our personal interactions, terms like "trauma" and "trigger" have become commonplace in how we perceive ourselves and our relationships. While it's positive to see increased awareness around mental health, the prevalence of "therapy speak," another buzzword, has contributed to a concerning cultural shift towards avoiding accountability under the guise of "mental health." Statements like "I cursed at this kid crying on the plane because it negatively affects my mental health," "I can't go to work because it is bad for my mental health," or worse, "I was a jerk because I am suffering from mental health issues that are beyond my control," highlight a concerning trend. Emotions have taken precedence as the guiding authority for our actions, often overshadowing our sense of communal responsibilities. As a result, it seems like some people have committed themselves to being as inconsiderate and off-putting as possible to as many people as possible. If you happen to fall into any of the aforementioned categories, I would like to state very clearly that you’re a bad person. This goes without saying that not everyone who discusses their mental health struggles is included in this assessment. But at present, it is difficult to distinguish between those who genuinely need support and those who exploit the concept of mental health for their benefit. And that, precisely, is the issue.

"Simp” should be the next pillar of incel slang that we abandon

I have the same opinion of the word "simp” that I had in 2019, when it first gained popularity: it seems like a defense mechanism used by incels to disassociate themselves from their genuine feelings of attraction and desire for success in relationships with women. Typically, a "simp" is described as someone who undermines their self-worth to gain temporary attention from someone else, even when there's no chance of receiving mutual care or affection in return. I must admit, I find it unappealing when a guy acts as if he thinks I am beyond reproach, capable of miraculous feats like finding the cure for cancer or solving world hunger. This term, however, has become excessively overused. As a man, if you call out other men for using derogatory terms towards women? Simp. You express that you don't mind your partner not conforming to traditional domestic roles? Simp. You enjoy buying gifts for your partner? Simp. This buzzword has gained significant traction, becoming a central theme in male-to-male interactions today. In contrast, if you take advantage of women either sexually or in any other manner, you may be praised as a "king" or told that a "king doesn't simp." Unfortunately, this pervasive use of the term has the potential to influence impressionable young men, making them feel that any indication of viewing women as anything other than sexual objects is tantamount to being labeled a "simp."

To conclude, I genuinely believe that alpha males, high-value women, and the concept of divine femininity should all be part of this school. They are regular offenders when it comes to using irritating internet buzzwords, with sprinkles of classism here and there. Speaking of repeat offenders, I'm guilty of one myself: I can’t construct five sentences without using the word "literally." Sigh. That said, would you like me to make this our thing? A segment where I introduce you to the world of internet culture as a professional internet user and keen observer?