Linguists Push Back Against Viral TikTok Slang as Language Debate Heats Up

02 January 2026

The expression stems from a song by rapper Skrilla called “Doot Doot (6 7),” which features the recurring numerical lyric. YouTube/Skrilla

As digital culture continues to shape the way people communicate, a growing group of linguists is raising concerns about the impact of viral slang on everyday language. In a recent annual list released by Lake Superior State University, experts have called for several popular TikTok phrases to be “banished” in 2026, arguing that many of these terms have become overused, misused or stripped of clear meaning.

At the center of the debate is a phrase that has spread rapidly among younger audiences. The term “6-7,” which originated from a lyric in a rap song, has become one of the most recognizable yet confusing expressions online. Despite its widespread use, its meaning remains vague, which is exactly what has frustrated critics. Linguists say the phrase has reached a point where repetition has replaced clarity, turning it into what some describe as linguistic noise rather than communication.

The list does not stop there. Other expressions that made the cut include “cooked,” which has evolved from a literal reference to food into slang for exhaustion or failure, and “massive,” criticized for being used so frequently that it has lost its impact. Even more formal sounding words like “incentivize” have been included, with critics arguing that they reflect a broader trend of turning nouns into unnecessarily complex verbs.

The Banished Words list, which began as a lighthearted New Year’s tradition in 1976, has grown into a global reflection on how language evolves. This year’s edition received more than 1,400 submissions from around the world, highlighting just how strongly people feel about the way words are being used and reused in modern communication.

Much of the blame, according to experts, falls on social media platforms like TikTok, where trends can spread instantly and without context. Words and phrases are often shared through short videos or text posts that lack tone and nuance, making it easier for meanings to shift or become distorted. As a result, language becomes more about participation in trends than about conveying precise ideas.

Yet the debate is far from one sided. While linguists express concern about clarity and overuse, others argue that the evolution of slang is a natural and even necessary part of language. Research into social media communication shows that younger generations use slang not only for expression but also to build identity and connection within their communities. These terms, even when confusing to outsiders, often carry social meaning that strengthens group belonging.

In many ways, TikTok slang represents a new form of cultural shorthand. Words are adapted, reshaped and repurposed at a rapid pace, reflecting the creativity of users who are constantly inventing new ways to communicate. While some expressions may fade as quickly as they appear, others eventually make their way into mainstream language or even official dictionaries.

The rise of what experts call “algospeak” has also played a role in this transformation. On platforms where content moderation is strict, users often develop coded language to avoid detection or censorship. These creative workarounds can lead to entirely new vocabularies that blur the line between necessity and trend, further accelerating linguistic change.

For critics, however, the concern remains that constant reinvention can come at the cost of clarity. When words lose their original meaning or are used without context, communication can become less effective. For supporters, the same phenomenon is seen as a sign of linguistic vitality, proof that language is alive and evolving alongside technology.

As 2026 unfolds, the debate over TikTok slang reflects a larger question about how language should adapt in the digital age. Whether these phrases are eventually forgotten or continue to evolve, one thing is clear. The way people speak, write and connect is changing faster than ever before, and not everyone agrees on where it should go next.