Answer the questions below. Listen to model answers and read the transcript to get some more practice in conversational English.

🌍 How Language Is Changing Today

Language is never still. It moves, grows, and adapts to the world around us. In the past, new words came slowly, often from books, science, or formal communication. Today, things are different. Social media, music, and online culture create and spread new words almost overnight. Young people especially enjoy playing with language, shortening words, and giving old words new meanings. Some of these expressions may sound strange at first, but they quickly become part of everyday English. Let’s look at some popular modern words and see where they come from and how people use them.

Question: According to the introduction, how has the way new words appear and spread changed compared with the past?

1. Diss

The word “diss” comes from “disrespect.” It started in African American communities and became popular through hip-hop culture in the 1980s and 1990s. In rap music, artists often “dissed” each other in songs to show dominance or express anger. Today, the word is used more generally.

Meaning: to insult someone or show a lack of respect

Dialogue:
– Did you hear what Tom said about your presentation?
– Yeah… I think he was trying to diss me in front of everyone.

Question: Where did the word “diss” originate, and how did it become widely known?

2. Rizz

The word “rizz” is a shortened form of “charisma.” It became popular thanks to internet personalities and streamers, especially young creators online. It spread quickly through platforms like TikTok.

Meaning: natural charm, especially in romantic situations

Dialogue:
– How did he get her number so easily?
– I don’t know, he’s just got rizz, I guess.

Question: Who helped make the word “rizz” popular, and on which platform did it spread most quickly?

3. Ghost

The word “ghost” is not new, but its modern meaning is. Traditionally, a ghost is a spirit. However, in digital communication, it took on a new sense.

Meaning: to suddenly stop replying to messages without explanation

Dialogue:
– Are you still talking to Anna?
– No, she just ghosted me last week.

Question: How has the meaning of “ghost” changed in the context of digital communication?

4. Flex

Originally, “flex” meant to bend a muscle. In hip-hop culture, it began to mean showing strength or success. Over time, the meaning changed again.

Meaning: to show off something, often in a proud or exaggerated way

Dialogue:
– Why did he post that photo with his new car?
– He’s just flexing, nothing more.

Question: How has the meaning of “flex” developed from its original sense to the way it is used today?

5. Cringe

The word “cringe” has existed for a long time and originally meant to move back in fear or embarrassment. Online culture gave it a stronger emotional meaning.

Meaning: something very embarrassing or awkward

Dialogue:
– Did you see his dance video?
– Yeah… it was kind of cringe, to be honest.

Question: How did online culture change the meaning of the word “cringe”?

6. Mid

The word “mid” comes from “middle.” It became popular online as a quick way to describe something that is neither good nor bad.

Meaning: average, not very interesting or impressive

Dialogue:
– What did you think of the movie?
– It was mid. Not terrible, but not great either.

Question: Where does the word “mid” come from, and what kind of opinion does it usually express?

7. Vibe

The word “vibe” comes from “vibration.” In the past, it was used in music and spiritual contexts. Today, it is very common in everyday English.

Meaning: the general feeling or atmosphere of a person, place, or situation

Dialogue:
– Do you like this café?
– Yeah, I love the vibe here. It’s really relaxed.

Question: Where was the word “vibe” originally used, and how has its use changed over time?

8. 67 / Six-seven

The expression “67” is usually pronounced “six-seven.” It became popular online in 2025, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels. It is connected with the rap song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla, and also with basketball videos, especially because LaMelo Ball is 6 feet 7 inches tall. Later, young people started repeating it as a joke, often with a hand gesture.

Meaning: this is the difficult part — 67 does not have one clear meaning. It can be used as a funny reaction, an inside joke, or a way of saying something is “so-so,” “random,” or hard to explain. More than meaning something precise, it shows that someone knows the meme and belongs to the online moment.

Dialogue:
– What did you think of that new advert?
– Honestly? It was kind of 67.
– You mean strange but funny?
– Exactly. I don’t even know if I liked it, but I’ll remember it.

Question: Where does the expression “67” come from, and why is its meaning hard to define?

9. Delulu

The word “delulu” comes from “delusional.” It became popular online, especially on TikTok, where people use it in a playful way. Originally, delusional is a serious word connected with believing things that are not true. However, delulu is usually softer, funnier, and less formal.

Meaning: to believe something unrealistic, often because it feels exciting, romantic, or comforting

Dialogue: – She liked one of his photos, and now he thinks they’re going to get married. – That’s a bit delulu, don’t you think? – Maybe, but at least he’s optimistic.

Question: How does the meaning of “delulu” differ from the original word “delusional”?

10. Brainrot / Brain rot

The expression “brainrot” combines the words “brain” and “rot.” It became popular in online culture as a humorous way to talk about spending too much time with low-quality internet content, especially short videos and memes. It suggests that too much scrolling can make someone’s mind feel tired, unfocused, or full of nonsense.

Meaning: a funny way to describe the negative effect of too much online content on attention, thinking, or taste

Dialogue: – I watched two hours of random videos about cats arguing with printers. – That sounds like pure brainrot. – I know, but I couldn’t stop watching.

Question: What does the word “brainrot” describe, and why has it become popular in online culture?

🌱 Final Thought

These words may seem informal or even strange at first, but they tell us something important. Language is not just a tool for communication—it reflects how people live, think, and connect with each other. When society changes, language changes with it. In a way, language is like the soul of society. It grows, adapts, and expresses the spirit of its time.

– Did you see that influencer talking about climate change?
– Yeah, but honestly, it felt like he was just flexing his lifestyle, not really helping.

– Exactly. And when people disagreed, he kind of dissed them in the comments.
– That’s the problem. If you want people to listen, you need some rizz, not attitude.

– True. Also, I noticed he stopped replying after a while.
– Yeah, he basically ghosted the whole discussion.

– And the video itself?
– Hmm… the message was important, but the delivery was mid.

– I agree. Some parts were even a bit cringe.
– Yeah, especially that dramatic ending. It was almost delulu, like he thought one video would save the whole planet.

– And the comment section was full of brainrot. People were arguing with memes instead of facts.
– True. Someone even replied “67” under a serious comment, and nobody knew what it meant.

– Still, I think people care about the topic.
– Definitely. The vibe is changing. People want real action now.

Share your views and experience here.