21 Times Pop Culture Changed the Way We Speak

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Have you ever found yourself saying something and then wondering, “Where did that even come from?” Chances are, pop culture had a hand in it. From the movies we watch to the songs we sing along to, pop culture has a sneaky way of weaving itself into our everyday language. It’s like a linguistic ninja, stealthily adding new words and phrases to our vocabulary when we’re not even paying attention.

Here are 21 hilarious and sometimes downright strange times pop culture changed how we speak.

1. “Bling”

Popularized by hip-hop culture, “bling” refers to flashy, ostentatious jewelry. Think of any rapper in the early 2000s, and you’ll probably picture them dripping in gold chains and diamond-encrusted watches. The term “bling” became synonymous with wealth and excess, thanks to artists flaunting their luxurious lifestyles in music videos. Nowadays, whether referring to an actual piece of jewelry or something that looks impressively shiny, “bling” has become a go-to word for anything sparkly and expensive.

2. “Google”

From the tech giant Google, the term “Google” has become a verb meaning to search for information online. Remember the days when you had to actually open an encyclopedia to find out what a narwhal is? Neither do we, thanks to Google. The company became so integral to our quest for knowledge that “to Google” is now the default verb for looking anything up online. It’s so ingrained in our culture that even your grandma knows how to “Google it.”

3. “Binge-Watch”

With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, “binge-watch” means watching multiple TV series episodes in one sitting. We’ve all been there – it’s a Friday night, and you tell yourself you’ll watch just one episode. Fast forward six hours, and you’ve finished an entire season. The term “binge-watch” perfectly captures this phenomenon of excessive TV consumption, a trend that skyrocketed with platforms like Netflix making entire series available at once.

4. “Catch-22”

From Joseph Heller’s novel “Catch-22,” it describes a no-win situation. Joseph Heller’s satirical war novel introduced us to the concept of a “Catch-22,” a situation where you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. It’s the ultimate paradox, and the term has become shorthand for any situation where there seems to be no way out. Think of it as life’s way of playing a cruel joke on you.

5. “Frenemy”

A combination of “friend” and “enemy,” “frenemy” was popularized by TV shows like “Sex and the City.” We all have that one person – the one who smiles to your face but might just be plotting your downfall behind your back. “Frenemy” perfectly reflects this complex relationship dynamic, mixing friendship with underlying tension and rivalry. The term has found its place in modern vernacular, describing those tricky social relationships that are part friend, part enemy.

6. “YOLO”

An acronym for “You Only Live Once,” popularized by Drake’s song “The Motto.” When Drake released “The Motto,” he probably didn’t anticipate creating a cultural phenomenon. “YOLO” quickly became the battle cry for spontaneous, often reckless behavior. Need an excuse to make a questionable decision? Just remember: YOLO!

7. “Muggle”

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, “muggle” refers to non-magical people. In the magical world of Harry Potter, “muggles” are the ordinary folks without a drop of magical blood. The term has crossed over into the real world to describe anyone who is considered ordinary or not in the know. If you’ve ever felt like everyone around you is in on a secret except you, congratulations, you’re a muggle.

Muggle is not the only incredible linguistic invention of J. K Rowling, though. If you are a Potterhead, check out our article “Linguistic Sorcery: How Harry Potter Enchants Us All.”

8. “Spam”

From a Monty Python sketch, “spam” now refers to unsolicited emails. Monty Python’s sketch about a restaurant serving Spam (the canned meat) ad nauseam led to the term being adopted for the unwanted, repetitive junk emails that clog our inboxes. Now, instead of a dubious meat product, “spam” conjures images of endless email offers for dubious products.

9. “Truthiness”

Coined by Stephen Colbert, “truthiness” means the quality of seeming or being felt to be true, even if not necessarily true. When Stephen Colbert introduced “truthiness,” he was poking fun at the idea that people often prefer their gut feelings over actual facts. The term has become especially relevant in the age of “fake news,” where feelings often trump factual accuracy.

10. “Bucket List”

Popularized by the movie “The Bucket List,” it refers to a list of things one wants to do before they die. The movie “The Bucket List,” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, brought this term into the mainstream. Now, everyone has a bucket list – whether it’s traveling to exotic places, skydiving, or simply learning a new skill. It’s about living life to the fullest before kicking the proverbial bucket.

11. “Selfie”

Gained popularity with the rise of social media, “selfie” refers to a self-portrait taken with a smartphone. The selfie phenomenon has taken over the world, with everyone from teenagers to celebrities to grandparents snapping self-portraits. Capturing the perfect selfie has become an art form with the advent of front-facing cameras and selfie sticks.

12. “Ghosting”

In dating culture, “ghosting” means suddenly cutting off all communication with someone. In the digital age, disappearing acts are easier than ever. “Ghosting” is when someone you’re dating vanishes without a trace, leaving texts unanswered and calls unreturned. It’s the modern way of breaking up without actually breaking up.

13. “Catfish”

The documentary and TV show “Catfish” refers to someone who creates a fake online identity. The term “catfish” emerged from the documentary about online deception and has since become a staple in our vocabulary. It describes the act of creating a fake identity on social media to deceive others, often for romantic or financial gain.

14. “Netflix and Chill”

“Netflix and Chill” initially meant watching Netflix with someone, but evolved into a euphemism for casual sex. What started as an innocent suggestion to watch movies has become a well-known euphemism for inviting someone over with ulterior motives. “Netflix and Chill” is now part of the dating lexicon, often used with a knowing wink.

15. “Throw Shade”

In drag culture, “throw shade” means to insult or criticize someone subtly or indirectly. Originating from the vibrant world of drag, “throwing shade” is all about the art of the subtle dig. It’s not about outright insults, but rather clever, often humorous remarks that cut deep without appearing overtly aggressive.

16. “Stan”

From Eminem’s song “Stan,” it refers to an obsessive fan. Eminem’s song about an overly obsessed fan named Stan gave birth to this term. “Stanning” someone means you’re not just a fan, but a superfan, sometimes to an unhealthy degree. It’s both a compliment and a cautionary tale.

17. “Woke”

From African American Vernacular English (AAVE), “woke” means being aware of social injustices. The term “woke” has evolved from a call to awareness within the Black community to a mainstream buzzword for social consciousness. It signifies being attuned to issues of race, gender, and inequality, and is often used in discussions about activism and social justice.

18. “On Fleek”

A viral Vine video describing perfectly groomed eyebrows, “on fleek” is now used to describe anything flawless. When Kayla Newman proclaimed her eyebrows were “on fleek” in a Vine video, she inadvertently created a cultural catchphrase. “On fleek” has since been used to describe anything perfectly executed or exceptionally good.

19. “Cray”

Popularized by the song “N****s in Paris” by Jay-Z and Kanye West, “cray” means crazy. Sometimes things are so outlandish that “crazy” just isn’t enough – that’s where “cray” comes in. This abbreviated form packs a punch, capturing the wild and unexpected with just one syllable.

20. “Swerve”

In hip-hop culture, “swerve” means to avoid someone or something. In hip-hop, “swerve” means to dodge or avoid. It’s often used in situations where someone deftly sidesteps drama or evades an unwanted advance. It’s the verbal equivalent of a slick move.

21. “Adulting”

In millennial culture, “adulting” refers to tasks traditionally associated with adulthood, like paying bills. The term “adulting” reflects a humorous take on the responsibilities and challenges of growing up. It describes the sometimes overwhelming tasks that come with being an adult, often with a touch of irony and humor.