Slang is like a linguistic time capsule—it defines a generation, creates inside jokes, and connects people through shared verbal quirks. But as fun as it can be, too much slang can sometimes cause, well, problems. 

Take, for instance, a young man in his 20s who adores his girlfriend—except for one little snag. Her love of TikTok-inspired «brain rot» slang has begun to overshadow their relationship, making it hard for him to feel connected on a deeper level. While he appreciates a good joke, the constant barrage of trendy catchphrases has started to feel more like a wall than a bridge.  

Before I try to unpack this situation for today’s Gen Alpha crowd, let’s hop into a time machine and set the stage for a more mature, nuanced folk of the 90s. Imagine the guy, totally into his girlfriend at first because she’s all that and a bag of chips. They’re vibing, and he’s feeling fly, but slowly, her nonstop, over-the-top Booyahs and Schwings are making him question Wazzup.