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Article by Emerald Pellot
Gen Z is using new lingo to help clarify what they actually mean on social media.
The most popular form of this new internet speak is /J and /HJ. If you see a TikTok, tweet or message with these characters tacked on, it might help you understand where the person is coming from better.
Here’s how to decipher the latest slang.
What do /J and /HJ mean on TikTok?
It’s actually fairly simple: /J means “joking” while /HJ means “half-joking.” It appears that the millennial abbreviation JK — or “just kidding” — wasn’t cutting it.
People may use the shorthand so that the person they’re speaking with understands they’re being sarcastic or unserious, which could be hard to detect when just reading text.In essence, it’s a way of indicating tone.
Anything that reduces unnecessary online drama is a win for any generation.Plus, as an explainer on tone indicators noted, “it can be difficult for neurodivergent people to understand you even in face-to-face, where theydohave access to non-verbal cues, so imagine how much harder it is online.”
There are a few other slash phrases you may want to know.
i have a thing pic.twitter.com/RvSgDwmgiz
— noah ☂︎ (@philyouspork) January 14, 2021
Twitter user@philyousporkcreated a handy master list of some similar slang you may run into online.
Here are a few examples:
/P = Platonic
/SRS = Serious
/S = Sarcastic
/NM = Not actually mad or upset
/LH = lighthearted
If you ever come across a strange abbreviation and don’t know what it means, just refer to the list above and hopefully you’ll find your answer!
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As an enthusiast and expert in internet culture and social media dynamics, I can confidently affirm my familiarity with the linguistic nuances and evolving trends that shape online communication. The article you provided discusses the emergence of new internet slang, particularly the usage of "/J" and "/HJ" on platforms like TikTok. Allow me to delve into the concepts introduced in the article and provide additional insights:
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/J and /HJ on TikTok: The article explains that "/J" stands for "joking," while "/HJ" stands for "half-joking." This new shorthand has gained popularity among Generation Z, indicating a shift from the traditional abbreviation "JK," meaning "just kidding." The purpose is to convey sarcasm or unseriousness in textual communication, where tone might be difficult to discern.
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Tone Indicators: The article mentions that using these slash phrases serves as a form of tone indicator. This concept is crucial in online communication, as it helps convey the emotional tone behind the words, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or unnecessary drama. The article emphasizes that these indicators are especially valuable for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle to interpret non-verbal cues even in face-to-face communication.
-
Additional Slash Phrases: The article provides a list compiled by Twitter user @philyouspork, featuring other slash phrases that users may encounter online. Some examples include:
- /P = Platonic
- /SRS = Serious
- /S = Sarcastic
- /NM = Not actually mad or upset
- /LH = Lighthearted
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Importance of Abbreviation Understanding: The article emphasizes the importance of being familiar with these abbreviations to enhance comprehension in online conversations. It suggests referring to the provided list when encountering unfamiliar abbreviations, underlining the value of a shared understanding of evolving internet slang.
In conclusion, the discussed concepts reflect the dynamic nature of online communication, where users continually adapt and create new language forms to convey meaning efficiently. Understanding these evolving trends is essential for effective communication in the digital age. If you have any further questions or if there's another aspect of internet culture you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
