Can slang be beneficial? Definitely, bruh!
By Allison Hui (she/her), Grade 12 student, and Kish Rama (he/him), teacher, Surrey
How many of us are tired of avoiding the numbers six and seven together? How often have you had to Google terms that sound made up, or do students burst into laughter when you use a phrase that has been given new meaning by that one TikToker almost all of your students know? Our Comparative Cultures 12 class in the 2026–27 school year, while studying linguistics, set out to discuss and learn more about the importance of slang in language and how slang can help to shape language acquisition in students for whom English is not their first language.
Our class inquiry
Our study used a quantitative approach to examine themes in societal slang among high school students. We chose this method as it allowed us to gather data from a large group of students and identify common patterns in their word choices. The data was collected through paper surveys distributed to junior classes by members of our group. Students were asked questions about their ethnicity, home language, social groups, and use of popular slang words. These questions helped us understand not only which slang terms were commonly used but also possible influences behind them. By learning about students’ ethnic backgrounds and home languages, we were able to explore how culture may affect the development and use of slang.
We also examined social factors, such as friend groups, to see whether different groups of students tended to use different slang terms. This information helped us better understand the relationship between culture and language among high school students to build an evidence-backed study.
Our outcomes
We collected over 310 completed surveys and compiled a database that helped us draw two possible conclusions:
1. Students for whom English is not their home language self-identified with having a “strong friend group” at a higher rate when they also indicated using more slang in everyday life.
2. “Superspreader” students with self-reported high-screen time were knowledgeable of most of the slang terms, while the majority of students identified using nine of fifteen given slang terms and indicated they picked up slang from the usage of their peers.
Should we explicitly teach slang?
These can be difficult conversations to navigate as sometimes students are the experts, and we are the learners! However, here are some ideas:
Have students lead: When you overhear a slang term being used, ask students to guide the process and explain meanings for all students so everyone can learn to use it.
Don’t immediately shut down slang: While it’s often our role to help shape and scaffold formal communication, sometimes slang has a place in our social conversations. Every generation also has their colloquialisms and so providing space for that can help students interact.
Use slang to connect: Within reason, sometimes slang can be a great way to spark engagement with students. What are some examples of historical slang words, or what is the backstory behind phrases we use? These can all be interesting areas of learning!
Overall, while the usage of slang words may differ based on your students’ backgrounds, your background, and your own experiences, we hope that you’ll consider the role it can play in our everyday social language.
Do you know these popular slang words?
Slay: Originally used in BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, “slay” meant to perform exceptionally well or look amazing before becoming mainstream internet slang.
NPC: Short for “non-player character” from video games, “NPC” became slang for someone seen as unoriginal or blindly following others.
Brainrot: Emerging from online communities, “brainrot” describes an obsession with a piece of media, trend, or meme that takes over a person’s thoughts.
Bet: Originating from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularized by Discord streamers, “bet” is often used as a single-word response to mean “okay,” “agreed,” or “challenge accepted.”
Bruh: A variation of “brother” and “bro,” many scholars believe “bruh” originated in AAVE and has become a popular expression of disbelief, frustration, or amusement.
