Article by Emerald Pellot
You may have seen the term “/P” used on social media, but the meaning of this new slang abbreviation isn’t so obvious. Here’s what you need to know.
Gen Z has been using new a kind ofshorthandto address tone. These are called “tone tags” or “tone indicators.” We’ve all had jokes, emails and messages fall flat because so much is lost in text. This is one way that Gen Z is working around the issue in hopes of making the online experience more inclusive.
What does /P mean on Twitter?
Here’s a list of tone indicators just in case anyone needs them. They help so many people including me, please use them 🙂 pic.twitter.com/BhUdmnJ3VN
— 🫐☞︎Ender☜︎🫐 (@ENDERR0SE) November 16, 2020
The term /P is a tone indicator that stands for “platonic.” It’s just a way for clarifying that you’re not being flirtatious or sexual while texting.It’s added to the end of a message after the traditional punctuation.
If you’re worried about coming across a certain way, a tone indicator can help clear things up for whoever is reading.
The Twitter user @ENDERROSEcame up with a handy list of a few which include /Li which means “literally” and /Gen which stands for “genuine question.”
Tone indicators can also behelpful for peoplewho are neurodivergent who aren’t always sure what other people mean.
“Some neurodivergent people say they have trouble deciphering the subtle cues associated with sarcasm or flirtation, in particular, and are tone-indicator enthusiasts,”accordingto the New York Times.
If you’re more interested in tone indicators there’s anentire sitededicated to curating them with a master list and more information.
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As a language enthusiast with a keen interest in contemporary linguistic trends, especially within digital communication, I can confidently delve into the subject matter of the article authored by Emerald Pellot on April 7, 2021. My expertise lies in deciphering and understanding the nuances of evolving language, including the emergence of new slang and abbreviations.
The article discusses the term "/P," which is part of a set of linguistic tools known as "tone tags" or "tone indicators." These indicators serve the purpose of conveying the intended tone of a message in online communication, addressing the challenges of tone perception in written text. This linguistic innovation, largely attributed to the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, reflects a conscious effort to make online interactions more inclusive.
The specific focus of the article is on the meaning of "/P" when used on Twitter. According to the information provided, "/P" is a tone indicator that stands for "platonic." Its role is to clarify that a message is not intended to be flirtatious or sexual. It is appended to the end of a message after traditional punctuation marks. This practice helps individuals express themselves more clearly and mitigates the risk of misinterpretation in digital conversations.
The article credits the Twitter user @ENDERROSE for compiling a list of tone indicators, including "/Li" for "literally" and "/Gen" for "genuine question." These indicators serve as valuable tools for those who wish to enhance the clarity of their communication, and the article emphasizes their usefulness, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergent people, according to the New York Times, may struggle with deciphering subtle cues associated with sarcasm or flirtation and find tone indicators to be valuable in enhancing their understanding of digital communication.
To further explore tone indicators, the article mentions the existence of an entire site dedicated to curating them, complete with a master list and additional information.
In conclusion, the article provides insights into the evolving landscape of online communication, specifically focusing on the use of tone indicators like "/P" to convey the intended emotional context in digital conversations. This linguistic phenomenon reflects the dynamic nature of language, constantly adapting to the needs and preferences of its users, particularly within the context of social media and digital platforms.
