Algospeak

How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language

By: Adam Aleksic

Narrated by: Adam Aleksic

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From linguist Adam Aleksic, known as @etymologynerd on social media, comes a captivating exploration of how internet algorithms are transforming language and communication in unprecedented ways.

“Packed with fascinating facts, of-the-moment observations, and a sparkling voice, Algospeak is a gift to any word nerd. Deftly covering everything from emoji etymologies and trendbait to Taylor Swift fanilects... Adam Aleksic is the wise, yet accessible internet linguistics oracle we need.”—Amanda Montell, author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and Cultish

From “brainrot” memes and incel slang to the trend of adding “-core” to different influencer aesthetics, the internet has ushered in an unprecedented linguistic upheaval. We’re entering an entirely new era of etymology, heralded by the invisible forces driving social media algorithms. Thankfully, Algospeak is here to explain. As a professional linguist, Adam Aleksic understands the gravity of language and the way we use it: he knows the ways it has morphed and changed, how it reflects society, and how, in its everyday usage, we carry centuries of human history on our tongues. As a social media influencer, Aleksic is also intimately familiar with the internet’s reach and how social media impacts the way we engage with one another. New slang emerges and goes viral overnight. Accents are shaped or erased on YouTube. Grammatical rules, loopholes, and patterns surface and transform language as we know it. Our interactions, social norms, and habits—both online and in person—shift into something completely different.

As Aleksic uses original surveys, data, and internet archival research to usher us through this new linguistic landscape, he also illuminates how communication is changing in both familiar and unexpected ways. From our use of emojis to sentence structure to the ways younger generations talk about sex and death (see unalive in English and desvivirse in Spanish), we are in a brand-new world, one shaped by algorithms and technology. Algospeak is an energetic, astonishing journey into language, the internet, and what this intersection means for all of us.

interesting look into internet slang

It was an interesting listen.

However, I am still not convinced the marginalized communities are actively harmed by having their slang appropriated. The book also omitted slang originating from gaming, though there was one passing reference to NPCs. It would also have been nice if "goblincore" was explained in the book given how often it was mentioned.

Overall, the information was well researched and interesting and it is still worth a listen for fans of EtymologyNerd.

Informative, Entertaining, and Concise

The book seamlessly weaves together many linguistic concepts into a easily digestible book for any willing to read it. The analysis on how the internet is influencing language change is equal parts intriguing and well thought out. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone with even the slightest interest in etymology or internet culture.

Very insightful and well researched

I really like how he delved into the different communities where words and phrases originated and explained how they went from in group to out groups. And for those of you who saw my use of the word "delve" no, this was not written by AI, it's a word that I actually use. It's a really fun read about linguistics that the subject really needs as there's so much misinformation and discrimination going around about it.

A great discussing linguistic development in regards to social media

As a member of gen Z I appreciate the authors explanation of the linguistic development of language as influenced by social media. I particularly enjoyed the chapter discussing Incell culture. As someone that ironically used Incell language unknowingly, I appreciate the detailed history and depth of Incell language. I love this book and will be recommending this book to others.

Fascinating

If you're remotely interested in language and in social media and changes it causes, this is a must listen!