"I thought I was good with words— Until my 10-year-old out-spoke me!"
Lately, talking with my 10-year-old daughter makes me feel a bit behind on words. Even though I love language, her vocabulary feels sharper and broader than mine ever was at her age.
It's something I see all the time, and it really shows how interesting the language of today's kids, Generation Alpha, truly is.
On one hand, there's all the new slang they pick up so fast from online videos and friends. Words like "sus" (meaning suspicious), "ick" (a strong feeling of dislike), and "slay" (to do something amazing or look great) are part of her everyday talk. These aren't just passing trends; they're quick, almost secret ways to say a lot with just one word.
They're like a special language that her friends understand, which sometimes leaves adults like me scratching our heads.
But what really gets me isn't just the slang. It's how well they use more formal words that you might not expect from a kid. For example, I suggested a TV show, and she instantly called it "hideous and preposterous." I was surprised! Did I use such strong, precise words casually when I was her age? Probably not.
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We likely just said "bad" or "silly." This happens often, showing she has a surprisingly good handle on language.
Another time, her dad was trying to gently convince her of something, and she quickly shot back, "Stop gaslighting me!" Honestly, I didn't even know what "gaslighting" meant until I was much older, let alone its deeper psychological meaning. She then gave me that typical kid look, like, "Mom, you don't know this?" and patiently explained what it meant, even giving examples.
It was a humbling moment, but also very impressive, learning a new word from my own child.
This strong grasp of words isn't by chance; it comes from what they're exposed to every day. This generation is surrounded by tons of content, mostly from the internet. Even though we try to make sure she only watches things that are right for her age, the sheer amount of information and different types of content she sees is huge.
Beyond what they see on screens, their exposure at school, through friends, and in various activities also boosts their vocabulary.
They hear different ways of speaking, encounter various ideas, and are always soaking up new information. This constant flow of words, ideas, and facts really shapes how their young brains develop. They are taking in, sorting, and using language with a quickness that sets them apart.
Generation Alpha isn't just speaking with new slang; they're showing us a whole new level of being good with words. Their mix of trendy terms and surprisingly mature vocabulary isn't just a phase. It shows how connected their world is and hints that they might be more skilled with language than any generation before them. And as a parent, it means I'm always learning, often humbled, and truly amazed by the words that come out of my daughter's articulate mouth.
Authored by: Hansveen Kaur
If you too have a soul-touching story to share, then send it to us at: soulcurry@timesinternet.in
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