Slang has been a universal language experience throughout the ages, with phrases like “know your onions” from the 1920s meaning being knowledgeable in a subject to “rad” being used in the 1980s to describe something cool. At the Islands, slang is also progressing with the rest of the world, and for teachers, it’s a learning experience.
Five teachers at Channel Islands were quizzed on their knowledge of the new Gen-Z slang: Mr. Cole, Mr. Figueroa, Mrs. Duran, Mr. Kochel, and Mr. Grennan. The words included: sus, rizz, aura, alpha, yapping, cooked, for the plot, skibidi, Fanum tax, and ate.
Mr. Cole, who teaches AP U.S. History, and Mr. Figueroa, a Pre-Calculus and CP math teacher, did better than the average. Mr. Cole was asked his opinion on the new slang and he said, “I’m behind. I need to talk to students more.”
Although he did fairly well, Mr. Cole does believe there is room for improvement. Mr. Figueroa believes slang isn’t good or bad. He states, “People from the 70’s have their own slang [like] ‘two-wheeler,’” making slang a neutral experience.
Mrs. Duran, an AP Spanish and NS Spanish teacher, received the lowest score. When she saw the answer key and compared it to her answers, she laughed and asked if people use these words. She was surprised when she was told yes.
Mr. Grenann, an English and AP English teacher, and Mr. Kochel, an AP Psychology and Sociology teacher, received the two highest scores, 6 and 7 correct answers out of 10. Mr. Kochel, who answered 7 questions correctly, believes that “slang is fun. (It’s) a way people distinguish themselves.” Mr. Kochel thinks that slang can be useful especially when it shortens the explanation.
Mr. Grennan, who answered 6 questions correctly, has even begun to use some slang on his own.
Although many teachers might not fully understand Gen-Z slang, they still try their best to adapt. Some might’ve never even heard the slang but they don’t seem bothered by it, more than anything they are intrigued. One thing is certain, teachers at Channel Islands High School will have to continue keeping up with Gen-Z.
