Annie Doig’ 18, Abby Hogan ’18: Slang is used across the world in different cultures and communities, and the Episcopal Academy is no exception. Whether it is used in conversations, in text messages, or even in the classroom, slang is a popular way to communicate across EA’s campus.
Much of the popular slang used on campus is not exclusive to EA. Molly O’Brian ‘17 gives examples, saying, “ I definitely hear words like ‘lit’, ‘yeet’, ‘jawn’, ‘hype’, ‘bruh’, ‘lol’, and ‘clutch’, a lot.” Neve Pacera ‘18 agrees that most of the slang and abbreviations used by EA students is not original. “Lots of people say ‘lol’ and ‘bae’,” she says. “But I know words like that are not specific to EA, and I have heard them used a lot by people in other schools and other areas.” According to Genevieve Becker ‘19, other slang commonly used on campus includes the words ‘lit’, ‘clutch’, ‘fire,’ and ‘dab.’
That being said, a lack of originality does not make the slang and abbreviations any less popular. “Tons of kids use abbreviations,” says Spencer Higgins ‘18. “They use pretty common words like ‘lol’, which means ‘laughing out loud’, and ‘smh’, which means ‘shaking my head.” According to Pacera, other common abbreviations include ‘bae,’ meaning ‘before anything else,’ and ‘yolo,’ meaning ‘you only live once,’ and jk, meaning ‘just kidding.’
According to Nick Wallick ‘18, abbreviations are often used practically as well. “For example, I like to use ‘ard’, which is short for ‘alright.’ Using short-term words like that helps me get my point across much quicker, and everyone knows what they mean.”
Some slang used on campus takes on its own Episcopal flair. “I hear the word ‘yeet’ a lot on campus,” says O’Brian, referencing a popular slang word. “But here, lots of people spell it with an ‘EA’ to reference our school. It’s cool that we put our own twist on words like that.” It is common for students to incorporate ‘EA’ into slogans and phrases.
Teachers at EA are also aware of the use of slang on campus, though some are less sure of some of its meaning. “‘Sick’ is a word I hear a lot, and I mean a lot.” says Niall Doherty, Upper School Spanish teacher. “I hear ‘dab’ a lot, but I don’t know what it means. I occasionally hear, ‘dtr’ used, and I think it means ‘define the relationship,’ but I am not sure.” Doherty also admits to using some slang himself. “Students say ‘dude’ and ‘bruh’ a lot, which I actually say sometimes as well.”
As for the appropriateness of slang and abbreviations in academic environments, many members of the EA community seem accepting, as long as it is not offensive. “Students definitely use words like that around me,” says Alyson Kurz, Upper School Learning Specialist.
“But as long as the students are using the words appropriately then I don’t see a problem with them using them during school hours.” Michael Letts, Upper School English teacher and VI form dean, agrees, though in his opinion it could detract from conversation. “They don’t necessarily make good conversation, but I don’t have a problem with students using slang words, as long they are not offensive or vulgar.”
Whatever the various use of abbreviations and slang may be, Pacera sums up their popularity. “They are just fun to use!”