Nobody “Hello’s” anymore. “Wassup” or “Yo” are the kewl greetings now, right? TBH, if older people think these words are immature or inappropriate, let them, SMH. (At least some of the time.)

“Every generation has its own set of words. I think language in general has become more  informal, and my goal is to teach my classes the difference [between slang and formal language] by using the analogy of what you wear around your friends is different than what you would wear in a job interview,” Megan Bajor, English teacher, said.

The trick, according to Bajor is to know when to use slang. Alexis Orr, junior, is not confident that today’s generation can tell the difference.

“I think [today’s slang words are] similar [to past slang words], but are more vulgar now because no one cares about their reputations [and] about what they say anymore,” Orr said. “I try not to use slang words, unless I’m making fun of them.”

While today’s teens may make fun of other generation’s slang some like salty, bounce and trippin’ are still in use.

Using text lingo as one of the new changes is a form of slang.

“I use slang on a regular basis because sometimes it’s easier to get across, and everyone subconsciously does it, TBH,” Angela Seok, sophomore, said.

Bajor suggests one reason text lingo has become more pronounced is because of how technology has affected people’s writing skills.

“The one problem with texting is that it corrects your writing. It doesn’t make us think of it and do it. So it does kind of encourages incorrect typing.” Bajor said. “I’ve caught myself in an email trying to write ‘you’ with the letter ‘u’ because that’s how I would write it in texting.”

Appropriate writing is required in school and papers, however it can cause problems for those who choose to use slang instead, Bajor says.

“Some [slang words] I don’t mind at all if it’s not inappropriate. I always tell [students]  that language is to communicate. If you and your friends are talking and you have your own phrases that’s fine, but when you get in another environment you have to be able to change your language,” Bajor said. “You wouldn’t talk to [a teacher] the same way you would talk to a friend, and naturally so, nor would I to you.  If it’s slang in conversation and it’s not inappropriate, I’m fine with that, but in writing it’s not okay because you have to refine your thinking.”

Learning how to adjust speech and writing for different audiences is a lesson Kevin Steibel, sophomore, learned the hard way.

“I said ‘S’up guys’ to members [of the Golf Club] once. My boss wasn’t happy that I said that to customers,” Steibel who is employed at Wynstone Golf Club, said. “We had a chat about how to behave in the workplace, and that I needed to use proper language.”

With words such as OMG and TTYL, is all formal language doomed 2 fail?
We can’t allow informal language to creep into formal speak,” Bajor said. “It’s been going on from the beginning of time, but we have to know the difference and know when to
change it.”