During her time in middle school, Emily Litman recalls how her peers would casually express their frustration when their parents grounded them by saying, “I just want to die.” Fast forward to the present, where she now works as a middle school teacher in New Jersey. Her students, facing a different digital landscape, respond with a 21st-century twist when their phones and TikTok access are taken away, saying, “I feel so unalive.”
At the age of 46, Litman teaches English as a second language to students in Jersey City, some of whom may not be familiar with the English word “suicide” but are well-acquainted with the term “unalive.”
“These kids had to learn English and now they are picking up ‘TikToklish’,” Litman remarks about her students’ evolving language skills in this digital era.
In the past, the term “unalive” was used to refer to death by suicide or homicide. It could be used as both an adjective and a verb. Social media users coined such phrases, including “mascara” for sexual assault, as a way to bypass algorithms that censor explicit or violent content on online platforms.
Language has always undergone evolution, with new words emerging, often led by teenagers. However, the internet and online life have accelerated this process, allowing new terms to spread more quickly.
Now, these digital creations are transcending virtual spaces and becoming part of spoken language, particularly among young people. Instead of being mere linguistic curiosities, these words offer a way for kids to discuss serious matters safely, using vocabulary that might be considered too casual or naive by scientists and adults.
It is important to note that the terms mentioned in this context are related to sensitive topics and have real-world implications. They highlight how language evolves and adapts to the digital landscape, but they also prompt discussions about how young individuals can engage with serious issues while maintaining a level of safety and understanding.
Experts suggest that this linguistic shift, known as “lexical innovation,” should not be a cause for excessive concern. Andrea Beltrama, a linguistics researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that even though it may be unsettling for those not familiar with TikTok culture to hear discussions about suicide and sexual assault expressed euphemistically, it doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the conversation.
When individuals use terms like “unalive,” they do so with the clear intention of communicating something about suicide. They understand that the intended message will be understood by the recipients on the other end of the conversation, as Beltrama points out. Despite the use of euphemisms, the underlying meaning and gravity of the topic remain intact.
It’s important to acknowledge that suicide is a serious and alarming issue, especially among young people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 24, and the rates have seen a significant increase of over 50% from 2000 to 2021.
The use of terms like “unalive” among youths may seem unusual or even concerning, but as linguist Andrea Beltrama suggests, it could serve a purpose in facilitating more meaningful discussions. By employing euphemisms, young individuals might find a sense of community and trust that they might not have when discussing such sensitive topics directly with adults using words like “suicide” or “kill.”
Beltrama draws a parallel between the use of “unalive” and the saying “Let’s go Brandon,” which has become a way to express disapproval of President Joe Biden without using the profane phrase it is a code for.
While these linguistic trends might raise eyebrows, they offer insight into how young people are adapting their language to communicate about serious issues in their own way. However, it is crucial to balance such adaptations with appropriate mental health support and awareness, as the topic of suicide requires sensitivity and understanding.
Both “Let’s go Brandon” and “unalive” have taken on lives of their own as linguistic phenomena. “Let’s go Brandon” originated from a misinterpretation of a vulgar crowd chant about President Joe Biden at a NASCAR race, and “unalive” emerged as a euphemistic term related to sensitive topics like suicide and sexual assault on TikTok.
Interestingly, these terms have transcended their original contexts and have been co-opted by different groups. Political conservatives have embraced “Let’s go Brandon,” while TikTok users have adopted “unalive.” According to linguist Andrea Beltrama, “unalive” has fostered a sense of solidarity and affiliation among those who can decode its meaning.
Dr. Steven Adelsheim, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University, advises against overreacting to the use of such terms. He recognizes that young people are savvy and understand the implications of their language choices when using “unalive” as a casual descriptor.
Amber Samuels, a therapist in Washington, D.C., has used “unalive” on her own social media accounts and has observed clients using similar euphemisms in speech. For her, using these euphemisms doesn’t feel unusual or abnormal. She believes that avoiding explicit language may contribute to a culture of silence and shame around topics like suicide and sexual assault. Social media provides a unique space where awareness and conversations become possible precisely because these terms allow discussions without direct, uncensored language.
It’s essential to strike a balance between fostering open dialogue and ensuring that the seriousness of these issues is not undermined. Being mindful of mental health and providing appropriate support and resources remains crucial.
Lily Haeberle, an 18-year-old senior at New Palestine High School in Indiana, shared an interesting perspective on the use of words like “unalive.” She mentioned that she overheard a classmate jokingly use the term “re-aliving” oneself after dying. To her, it might be beneficial to differentiate between casual and flippant references and the more serious connotations associated with words like “unalive.”
Haeberle’s suggestion highlights the importance of being mindful of the context in which certain words are used. While linguistic innovations like “unalive” may serve as a way for young people to discuss serious topics more comfortably, it is crucial to be respectful and considerate of the gravity of those subjects. Using such terms lightly in jest could trivialize the seriousness of the underlying issues, so it’s essential to strike a balance between open conversation and sensitivity when discussing sensitive topics.
Lily Haeberle suggests that young people have developed alternative words, like “unalive,” as a way to joke about serious topics without being harsh or explicit. It allows them to maintain a level of humor while discussing sensitive issues.
This trend is not limited to casual conversations but has also found its way into video gaming culture. In gaming communities, players often use terms like “unaliving” to refer to characters being killed, followed by phrases like “respawned” when they are brought back to life.
Digital natives, today’s adolescents, are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information and have their own unique slang, including these alternative terms. Emily Litman, the middle school teacher from New Jersey, has mixed feelings about whether using “unalive” to discuss suicide might be helpful or harmful. However, she sees value in the fact that young people are engaging in conversations about these serious issues.
Litman believes that if conceptualizing suicide as “unaliving” can encourage struggling youth to seek help, then there could be potential benefits to these discussions. The hope is that this form of expression may reduce stigma and create an environment where those who are struggling feel more comfortable reaching out for support.
Emily Litman observes that today’s youth are much more at ease discussing sensitive topics like suicide and other serious issues compared to her own experience when she was their age. This comfort level suggests that the digital age and the prevalence of online communication have opened up new avenues for young people to engage in conversations about such matters.
The accessibility of information, the ability to connect with others through social media, and the normalization of discussing sensitive topics in digital spaces may contribute to this increased comfort level. As a result, young individuals may find it easier to navigate difficult conversations and seek support when needed.
It is crucial to ensure that while young people feel comfortable discussing these topics, they also have access to appropriate mental health resources and support from trusted adults to address any challenges they may face. Encouraging open and non-judgmental dialogue can contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment for young individuals dealing with difficult issues.