Skip to main content

Support WBUR

Old words like 'yapping' and 'skedaddle' are having a renaissance, thanks to younger generations

10:59
Webster's New International Dictionary 2nd unabridged edition from 1948 is displayed for sale at Powell's Books on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (Jenny Kane/AP)
Webster's New International Dictionary 2nd unabridged edition from 1948 is displayed for sale at Powell's Books on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (Jenny Kane/AP)

Generation Z and Generation Alpha are introducing the world to new words, like “rizz," short for charisma, or “looksmaxxing,” which means going to extreme lengths for a glow-up.

They're also bringing back words from previous generations; "yapping," "skedaddle," and "diabolical" are among many experiencing a renaissance.

For more on this phenomenon and what makes an old word new, host Indira Lakshmanan speaks to linguist and 'entomology nerd' Adam Aleksic, author of "Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language."

This segment aired on March 20, 2026.

Support WBUR

Support WBUR

Listen Live