Hmm, that's a great question. The origin and dissemination of slang terms are really fascinating topics. Let's break it down.
Slang terms often emerge from various sources, but social media, memes, and influencers play a significant role in their creation and popularization. For instance, terms like "sus" or "smol" are shortened versions of words like "suspect" and "small," which become convenient and catchy in online communication[3][4].
Social media platforms, particularly those like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, act as incubators for new slang. Here, users can quickly share and adopt new terms, making them viral in a matter of days. Memes, which are humorous images, videos, or pieces of text that are copied and spread rapidly online, also contribute significantly to the spread of slang. For example, terms like "sis" and "tea" gained popularity through memes and YouTubers like James Charles[3].
Influencers, whether they are social media personalities, musicians, or content creators, have a huge impact on what slang terms become mainstream. When an influencer uses a particular term, it can quickly gain traction among their followers. For example, terms like "no cap" and "chase a bag" have been popularized through hip-hop and rap songs, which are then picked up by younger audiences[3].
Interesting to note is how these terms can evolve over time. A term like "lit," which originally meant being intoxicated, now means something is fun or exciting. This evolution shows how slang is not static but adapts to the cultural and social context of the time[3].
So, in essence, the combination of social media's rapid dissemination, memes' viral nature, and influencers' reach all contribute to how slang terms originate and spread in modern day society.