For all those people suffering from acute ‘FOMO’, there’s a growing bunch who are thrilled to experience just the opposite - ‘JOMO’.
That sentence would make no sense to someone who hasn’t been keeping up with the latest trends in English usage.
FOMO is short for the ‘fear of missing out’ on something important or enjoyable that others are experiencing. It is the common but unhealthy anxiety that comes from the feeling of being left out.
Missing an event that your friends are attending, for instance, can trigger FOMO.
The emotionally intelligent antidote to this phenomenon is JOMO, or the ‘joy of missing out’. It’s an attitude of seeking satisfaction in the present moment while avoiding petty distractions.
The point of these examples is to explain the numerous ways in which the English language is constantly adjusting, evolving, and finding new forms of expression.
Slang and acronyms provide a window into the values and attitudes of particular groups and communities.
If you are a Spanish speaker learning English, it pays to be current with the latest trends and usages shaping the language.
Slang refers to words, phrases, and expressions that are peculiar to a group and usually too informal to be used in formal settings. For instance, ‘groovy’ is a popular slang word that means something fashionable or awesome.
Keep in mind that certain slang words can be vulgar and considered offensive in polite conversations.
Acronyms, meanwhile, are abbreviations that are pronounced as a word. NASA, for instance, is a popular acronym for the US space agency, as is ASAP, which stands for ‘as soon as possible’.
What’s worth remembering here is that even though the latest slang and acronyms may not have made their way into the dictionaries yet, they still spark connections and conversations.
Here’s why slang, acronyms, and other non-standard forms of language matter:
- Geographic Relevance: Certain slang and acronyms are often limited to particular places. ‘Schlep’, for instance, is slang that only makes sense in Brooklyn, New York, where it means a tedious or burdensome task or journey.
Similarly, ‘orange curtain’ - a slang native to California - refers to the border between Los Angeles County and Orange County. It contrasts the liberal population of LA with the mostly conservative suburban population of Orange County.
Subcultural Significance: Slang and acronyms are also common among various subcultures and flourish in every society. The slang ‘superpade’, for instance, refers to Blacks who are exceptionally talented in fields such as sports or entertainment. Think Muhammad Ali or Jimi Hendrix.
Other examples abound in subcultures like Hip Hop and Hollywood, among others. ‘Martini’, for instance, refers to the final shot of the day at a movie set. Meanwhile, slang like ‘dope’ (something exciting or impressive) and acronyms like ‘CREAM’ (cash rules everything around me) are contributions from Hip Hop culture.
Social and Professional Identity: Some slang and acronyms have social, ideological, and professional connotations. For instance, the expression ‘hard-timing’, which means to work at a deliberately slow pace, is used almost exclusively by longshoremen and dock workers.
Similarly, ‘bargaining unit’ (a group of workers represented by a union) and ‘charging party’ (a party filing a grievance against an employer) are terms commonly used in trade union parlance.
The use of slang and acronyms is more widespread in certain professions. For instance, ‘code monkey’ - a term commonly used by IT professionals - refers to a developer who writes code without giving it much thought.
To sum it up, slang and acronyms can be key to getting around in certain places, groups, and professional circles.
Using slang and acronyms can help English learners demonstrate cultural awareness and cultivate deeper connections with native speakers.
The meaning of a slang and usability of an acronym can vary substantially among different regions, generations, and social groups.
Slang words, in particular, can change meaning over time or quickly become outdated. It’s very important, therefore, to be mindful of the context in which you use them, the audience for which it is intended, and the potential for serious offense and misunderstanding if used incorrectly or inappropriately.
Here’s what you must always keep in mind when using slang and acronyms:
Slang words come about whenever someone applies creativity and wit to express appreciation, ridicule, or contempt. They do not survive, however, unless they are picked up fast by others.
Here are 10 recent slang words that have made it to popularity among English speakers everywhere:
The most prolific use of acronyms can be found on the internet in general, and social media in particular.
Some, like BRB (be right back) and TBH (to be honest), are common enough to have made their way into everyday conversations.
Others are only getting started and not widely known enough.
Here’s a list of 25 latest social media acronyms that you may not have heard about yet:
Slang and acronyms are dynamic parts of the English language that enhance communication and cultural awareness.
Spanish speakers learning English can use them to enhance communication and bridge cultural gaps.
At Immigo, we help English learners keep pace with the latest trends in language evolution. Our immersive platform is designed to help you learn faster and speak with more confidence.
Reach out to us today if you want to upgrade your English language skills.
