The intelligibility of internet slangs between millennials and Gen Zers: A comparative study

The study focuses on the emergence of modern-day neologisms (i


Introduction
Language is of paramount importance in the human experience as it allows individuals to communicate and articulate their thoughts and concepts, promoting the exchange of knowledge and facilitating the progress of social and cultural development.When language undergoes substantial transformations, it exemplifies its inherent flexibility and highlights its intricate relationship with changes occurring within society [1].
Social media platforms are extensively utilized worldwide, transcending age, gender, and race, as means of communication and self-expression in the online sphere [2].The use of social media by young people continues to increase annually, becoming increasingly embedded in their daily lives and communication patterns.According to Martini [3], language undergoes continual transformations with each generation, encompassing shifts in pronunciation, the adoption of new words, and the invention of novel terms, with the rate of change varying.It is often young adults and teenagers who initiate the majority of linguistic changes observed in our language [4].
Individuals born between 1997 and 2012 are commonly referred to as Gen Z, while those born between 1981 and 1996 are known as Millennials.Millennials are often characterized as being more idealistic and politically engaged, whereas Gen Z is recognized for their diversity and proficiency with technology.Although Millennials currently make up the largest portion of the workforce, Gen Z represents the youngest cohort [5].The youngest members of the Gen Z family are approximately 9 years old.Notably, the oldest Millennials, who are around 40 years old, are sometimes referred to as Gen Y, as they fall between the generations of Gen X and Gen Z.The youngest members of the Millennial generation, around 24 years old, are often described as materialistic atheists.
The language used by Millennials is considered to be in a conservative stage, indicating that the generation has largely ceased creating new slang terms and deviating from traditional grammar rules.On the other hand, Gen Z language involves taking familiar English words and giving them new, often distorted meanings to fit into novel contexts.As a result of this linguistic process, the older generation may find it challenging to associate a word with its original meaning, as the word has undergone a significant transformation.
In the specific context of the Philippines, Maghirang [6] highlights that the younger generation, commonly referred to as Gen Z, exhibits a heightened awareness of the power and impact of technology.These individuals are characterized by their familiarity with various technological advancements and their ability to leverage them effectively.Gen Zers in the Philippines demonstrate a strong inclination to share their knowledge and actively engage with others through digital platforms.They recognize the value of technology in facilitating human interaction and seek out online spaces to connect, communicate, and exchange information.This suggests that Gen Z in the Philippines embraces technology as a means of expanding their social networks, accessing information, and expressing themselves in the digital age.
This research delves into the emergence of contemporary internet slang within the Millennial and Gen Z cohorts.The younger generation showcases their inventiveness in creating fresh vocabulary, which can potentially perplex older individuals and individuals from other generations who are not acquainted with these terms.The interplay between these generational groups gives rise to a linguistic divergence, leading to notable disparities from preceding generations in terms of language evolution and intelligibility.

Research Design
In this study, the descriptive research method was employed to gather quantifiable data for statistical analysis of the sampled population, and notable observations were noted based on the data collected.The researchers administered survey questionnaires and interviews to assess the language gap and comprehension of internet slang, between Generation Z and the Millennial generation.

Respondents
The study involved students who were enrolled in various courses at a local college in Misamis Oriental, including Education, Business Administration, and Information Technology.The researchers employed the registered quota sampling method to select participants based on predetermined characteristics (e.g., age, birthdate), specifically targeting 50 Millennials and 50 Generation Z individuals.

Research Instrument
The research instrument employed in this study was adapted and modified from the work of Moderin and Go [7] in their study titled "Emerging Netspeak Word Choices in Social Media in Filipino Pop Culture."Careful consideration was given to selecting only those terms and words that are appropriate and relevant to the research locale, specifically focusing on Mindanao, particularly in Misamis Oriental, where the respondents of this study were situated.Additionally, certain newly coined words were sourced from Sanchez and Ott's [8] study.As a result, the utilization of this research instrument in the present study is considered both valid and reliable, as it has undergone adaptation and validation specifically within the Philippine context.
The research instrument comprises two sections.Section 1 of the research instrument is designed to collect essential respondent profile information, including optional details such as sex, age, birthdate, generation, number of hours spent on social media, and access to social media.These basic demographic data are crucial for the researchers to accurately identify the generational categories to which the respondents belong.Such information served as a valuable reference in exploring other factors that may influence the intelligibility of internet slang.
The second part of the research instrument involves the identification of internet slang items representing the meanings of modern-day net slang.Respondents were provided open-ended responses to the research instrument by indicating the intended meanings of the words or expressions.These words are categorized based on their structure and form, following the Krishnamurthy Model of Neologism, which includes word formation, borrowing, and lexical deviation.

Results and Discussion
This section presents the findings derived from the collected data, as well as the subsequent analysis and interpretation of the results.Additionally, the study highlights the popularity of TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter among teenagers.The data shows that 95% of teens have smartphone access, with 45% reporting being online "almost constantly" [9].Social media usage is ingrained in the daily routine of over 80% of individuals from each generation, albeit with variations in reasons for usage and time spent across different platforms.While both Millennials and Gen Zers use social media multiple times a day, Millennials tend to utilize a wider range of platforms, whereas Gen Zers have their preferred favorites.
The data suggest that Gen Z individuals typically engage with 2-3 social media platforms on a daily basis, namely YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.They tend to be more selective in their choices, opting for specific platforms that align with their preferences and interests.
In contrast, Millennials individuals tend to utilize a broader range of platforms, with an average usage of 5-6 platforms on a weekly basis.This includes popular platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.Being the first generation to witness the rise of various social networks, Millennials have grown accustomed to having accounts on multiple platforms.
The disparity in platform usage between Gen Z and Millennials can be attributed to their different experiences and the availability of social media during their formative years.While Millennials have embraced a wider array of platforms due to their proliferation during their youth, Gen Z individuals have the luxury of being more selective from the outset, choosing the platforms that resonate most with them and disregarding others.
The shift in Facebook's user base can be attributed to several factors.Millennials have transitioned from being students and teenagers to adults with professional responsibilities, which may have led to decreased usage and engagement on the platform.Additionally, Gen Z individuals, seeking to distance themselves from older generations, have sought alternative platforms for communication and social interaction.
Therefore, the data indicate a changing landscape of social media usage, with younger generations gravitating towards different platforms while Facebook remains a dominant force among older audiences.[12].Platforms such as Facebook, blogs, and Twitter enable language learners to connect with others and engage in content sharing and discussions with individuals from around the globe.Social media learning approaches have the potential to enhance language acquisition through social interaction and interactive methods.
On the other hand, Gen Zers tend to spend more time browsing social media compared to Millennials due to several reasons.Firstly, as digital natives who grew up with technology, they are more comfortable and familiar with using social media platforms.Secondly, social media provides them with a platform for social connections and interactions with peers.Additionally, Gen Zers rely on social media for entertainment, content consumption, and self-expression.The widespread availability of smartphones also contributes to increased social media usage among Gen Zers.However, individual preferences and habits may vary, and cultural influences and personal interests can also impact social media usage patterns between the two generations.

Word Formation
In linguistics, word formation refers to the process of creating new words or forming words from existing ones.It involves the application of various morphological processes such as affixation, compounding, derivation, conversion, and blending.Word formation is a fundamental aspect of language, allowing speakers to expand their vocabulary and express new concepts and ideas.It plays a crucial role in language evolution and adaptation to societal and cultural changes.
Table 3 presents commonly used internet slang, including the terms "matsalam," "marites," "dasurv," and "selfie," which are recognized by millennial respondents.A majority of the Gen Zers correctly identified these slangs.Significantly, "ludz," "sorna," and "forda" received the highest recognition among the 50 respondents, with the least identification by the millennials.It is important to highlight that millennials were the first generation to have widespread internet access, which significantly influenced their language usage and exposure to various online slang and expressions.Due to their early adoption and integration of digital technologies, millennials are often considered the first global generation.On the other hand, Generation Z has grown up in an even more interconnected world, with the rise of online platforms and communication.This has expanded their perspectives, interactions, and relatability on a global scale [13].
In general, Millennials recognized a total of 457 internet slang words in terms of word formation, whereas Gen Zers identified a larger number of 572 words from the total populace.This disparity suggests that Gen Zers exhibit a greater proficiency in recognizing and responding to various word formations found on social media compared to Millennials.The heightened familiarity of Gen Zers with internet slang can be attributed to their extensive exposure and immersion in the digital realm.Growing up in an era characterized by ubiquitous technology and widespread use of social media, Gen Zers have fully embraced online platforms, actively engaged in digital communication, and become deeply entrenched in the digital culture.Consequently, they are more likely to encounter and adopt new internet slangs and expressions that emerge within the rapidly evolving online landscape.In contrast, Millennials may have been introduced to social media and the internet during their adolescence or early adulthood, with their exposure to internet slang possibly not being as extensive or deeply integrated into their daily lives as it is for Gen Zers.

Word Borrowing
This linguistic phenomenon involves the adaptation and integration of a foreign or regional/local word into the vocabulary of a different language.In this context, word borrowing signifies the usage of words that originated from one language but have been incorporated and adapted for use in another language.This borrowing process allows for the expansion and enrichment of vocabulary, as languages interact and exchange linguistic elements.The data collected in Table 4 reveals the occurrence of word borrowing, which involves the adoption of a word from one language and its incorporation into another language.In this particular case, words such as "sana all" and "salamuch" have been borrowed into the English language to ensure comprehensibility among speakers regardless of their location.Similarly, medical jargon like "kanser" and "cyst" is also used as expressions on social media.It is worth noting that the slang term "kanser" is employed to describe someone who is causing trouble or adding negativity to a situation.On the other hand, "cyst" is used as a term of endearment for females, similar to "sis" or "sister." Generation Z individuals tend to have a higher proficiency in recognizing word borrowing in internet slang compared to millennials.This can be attributed to their increased exposure to diverse linguistic influences and their active participation in online communities.Gen Zers have grown up in a highly interconnected and globalized world, where access to different cultures and languages is readily available through the internet.As a result, they are more accustomed to encountering and engaging with borrowed words from various languages in their online interactions.Additionally, Gen Zers are known for their digital savviness and adeptness in navigating online platforms, which exposes them to a wide range of internet slang and linguistic trends.Their frequent and extensive use of social media, messaging apps, and other online platforms allows them to encounter and familiarize themselves with a greater variety of word borrowings.On the other hand, millennials, who came of age before the widespread adoption of social media and digital technologies, may have had less exposure to the same degree of linguistic diversity and borrowing in their online interactions.

Lexical Deviation
Lexical deviation in Internet slang refers to the deliberate departure from conventional language norms by using nonstandard words or expressions.It involves the modification of spellings, meanings, or grammar to create distinctive and expressive forms of language within online contexts.This phenomenon enables individuals to demonstrate their creativity and establish a unique online identity.Internet slang is characterized by its dynamic nature, constantly evolving and varying across different online platforms and among various generations.The data presented in Table 4 illustrates the level of familiarity with internet slang among the two generations, considering the concept of lexical deviation.The table suggests that millennials encounter difficulties in recognizing and understanding these forms of internet slang, primarily due to their deviation from conventional language norms.This includes the use of abbreviations, unconventional spellings, and other non-standard linguistic elements.These deviations pose challenges for millennials in comprehending and interpreting the intended meanings of these internet slang expressions.
The provided excerpt discusses the recognition of internet slang or newly coined words and phrases among Millennials and Gen Z.The table indicates that Gen Z respondents displayed a higher level of familiarity and accuracy in identifying lexical deviations such as "omg," "gtg," "dasruv," "btw," "bet," "brb," "fitspiration," "gor," "lol," "otw," "skl," and "yolo." The internet slang "gor," "omg," "dasruv," and "fitspiration" are language slangs commonly known by Millennials, and they also received high scores among Gen Z respondents.These words have become part of daily conversations on social media platforms.As a generation distinct from its predecessors, Gen Z has developed its own slang.Their slang consists of new forms and meanings that differ from past slang.They create or modify slang to fulfill their language needs, often using it to maintain an insider-outsider dynamic and exclude non-participants from their conversations.For instance, when they want to keep secrets from adults, they use slang that adults are unlikely to understand.This leads to the creation of new slang understood only among Gen Z, allowing them to preserve their secrets.The findings from the data analysis present a significant contrast in the level of intelligibility observed between the two generational cohorts, namely Gen Z and Millennials.Specifically, Gen Z participants demonstrated an average score of 11.48, indicating a high degree of familiarity and comprehension regarding the emerging language expressions under examination.On the other hand, the average score of 6.74 obtained by the Millennials suggests a comparatively Average level of understanding and exposure to these newly coined words and phrases.This marked discrepancy in scores underscores the distinct linguistic knowledge and awareness of emerging language trends exhibited by Gen Z individuals.It implies that members of Gen Z possess a greater aptitude for linguistic adaptability and display heightened sensitivity toward the evolving lexicon of contemporary language.Conversely, Millennials may exhibit a relative lag in terms of their familiarity with these internet slangs.

The Level of Intelligibility of the Internet Slang between Millennials and Gen Zers
The members of Generation Z undeniably represent the initial cohort of individuals known as digital natives, as they have grown up in an era marked by remarkable technological advancements and widespread exposure to social media, smartphones, and instant access to information.In light of this, Jeresano and Carretero [1] assert that technology plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of this generation, particularly in terms of their modes of communication, social interactions, and the ongoing evolution of language itself.Moreover, the prevalence of social platforms as the predominant means of communication among this current generation has been further amplified by community lockdowns and the increased emphasis on physical distancing.As a result, the digital realm has become a significant domain for the formation of culture and the emergence of language, exemplified by the proliferation of slang within the context of social media.Additionally, Millennials are actively adopting newly coined words prevalent in social media, demonstrating their understanding of the usage and meaning of these terms.

The Relationship between Internet Slang and Generations
Furthermore, Jeresano & Carretero [1] posit that individuals of the younger generation encounter numerous terms on a daily basis that may be unfamiliar to those outside of their age group.These terms are not only found in their social media posts but also in their comments and messages exchanged with family and friends.These newly created terms and phrases are known as Gen Z slang, reflecting their unique linguistic expressions influenced by the media culture they have been immersed in.
Moreover, the range of scores for millennials falls within 19-29 out of 35 items, indicating that they struggled to comprehend and respond to slang words.On the other hand, Gen Z performed exceptionally well, almost achieving a perfect score.This contrast in scores highlights the significant gap between the two generations when it comes to their understanding and usage of new slang words.According to Sheryllia [15], the utilization of colloquial expressions among individuals with close relationships signifies a positive rapport between them.Slang language is more commonly employed in informal daily conversations, such as online chatting [16].It is observed that certain social groups develop their distinct slang, which remains comprehensible only to members of that specific group [17].Additionally, in contemporary communication practices, individuals have increasingly embraced the use of slang to condense sentences in their conversations, particularly in digital interactions.
In conclusion, based on the findings presented, it is evident that both Millennials and Gen Z share a strong affinity for contemporary neologisms.The positive correlation of 0.90, as determined through Pearson's analysis, indicates a significant connection between the two generations and their increasing embrace of these new linguistic expressions.
The comparable overall scores of Millennials and Gen Z suggest a minimal generation gap, primarily observed among a small subset of less socially engaged Millennials.Additionally, Generation Z individuals possess a high level of intelligibility in comprehending and utilizing internet slang or modern-day neologisms in daily conversation, specifically in the areas of word borrowing, lexical deviation, and word formation.However, Millennials actively adopt and understand the usage and meaning of newly coined words prevalent in social media.These findings collectively emphasize the strong association between these generations and their engagement with contemporary neologisms.

Conclusion and recommendations
Language holds a vital role in our daily interactions, serving as a fundamental means of communication within societies.Slang, a notable linguistic variation, emerges within the realm of language.According to Hilte et al. [18], slang is commonly observed in the speech patterns of young individuals worldwide, permeating the conversations of teenagers across different cultures.The study's findings highlight a minimal language gap between Millennials and Gen Z concerning internet neologisms.The collected data reveals that Millennials face challenges in understanding newly emerging words such as "bet," "choz/chos," "fitspiration," "kanser," "netizen," and "Skl," with less than 2 out of the millennial respondents answering them correctly.A comparison of scores clearly indicates differences between the two generations.These internet slangs are frequently utilized by Gen Z in their day-to-day conversations and social media posts.The highest scores for both generations were observed in the neologism component, particularly in word formation.Language continually evolves and changes, especially in social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, where these new words originate.It is evident that Millennials struggle to comprehend these emerging words, and the older generation, who may be even less familiar with them, faces similar challenges.However, both generations exhibit a positive correlation regarding the intelligibility of internal slang.It is worth noting that these new words predominantly emerge from social media platforms, and individuals who are less active on social media may have limited exposure to them.
To effectively address the findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Firstly, fostering digital literacy among individuals of all age groups is crucial, with a focus on providing resources and training to enhance their understanding and navigation of social media platforms and the evolving language landscape.Secondly, promoting linguistic awareness through workshops, discussions, and educational campaigns can help older generations better comprehend and appreciate the language used by Millennials and Gen Z, especially the prevalent neologisms in social media.Thirdly, bridging the generation gap requires encouraging active participation in social media activities and creating opportunities for intergenerational dialogue to foster understanding and connection.Fourthly, staying updated and adaptive to linguistic developments is important for educators, parents, and professionals to effectively communicate and connect with younger generations.Lastly, conducting further research to explore specific linguistic

Table 1
The Accessibility of Social Media across Generations Table1provides an overview of the availability and usage of various social media platforms among Millennials and Gen Zers.The findings reveal that Facebook and Messenger are highly accessible and widely used by both generations, with a 100% adoption rate among the total population.Notably, Millennials do not have much access to Tumblr, YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram and little access to TikTok, as indicated by the limited corresponding percentages in the table.

Table 2
Number of Hours Spent Using Social Media

Table 2
[11]arizes the duration of time that respondents spend browsing social media.The majority of individuals from various generations dedicate approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per day to this activity.This finding aligns with Candilio's[10]study, which revealed that a significant portion of online time is allocated to social networking sites.The Internet plays a pivotal role in establishing a prominent linguistic context and environment, facilitating interactive communication[11]

Table 3
Word Formation of Internet Slang between Millennials and Gen Zers

Table 4
Word Borrowing of Internet Slang between Millennials and Gen Zers

Table 5
Lexical Deviation of Internet Slang between Millennials and Gen Zers

Table 6
The Level of Intelligibility of the Internet Slang

Table 7
The Relationship of the Internet Slang and Generations

Table 6
[14]ests that Millennials and Gen Z exhibit a strong connection to contemporary neologisms, as evidenced by a positive correlation of 0.90 according to Pearson's analysis.This indicates that both generations are increasingly embracing these neologisms.The overall scores of Millennials (1215) closely align with those of Gen Z (1544), indicating a minimal generation gap, which primarily exists among a few Millennials who are less involved in social media activities.A study conducted by Vogels et al.[14]reveals that Millennials spend an average of 2 hours and 38 minutes per day on social media, utilizing various platforms such as YouTube (66%), Instagram (72%), and Facebook (87%).