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[Mastering Social Media Slang: A Vocabulary Guide]-[Episode 107 - Social Media]

English Vocabulary Booster · B1 · 2021-09-22

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📋 Summary

Introduction

In this episode, the host explores the dynamic language of the internet, focusing on five essential expressions frequently used in the context of social media and influencer culture. By examining these terms, learners can better understand the nuances of modern digital communication.

1. Spill the Tea

To "spill the tea" is the modern slang equivalent of gossiping. As the host explains, it involves "sharing juicy information," which is defined as "interesting information" about someone’s private life. It often addresses rumors or secrets that are not publicly known, such as an affair or a hidden relationship. It is a staple phrase in the YouTube community, where creators often use it to bait viewers into watching "YouTube drama."

2. Slide into Someone's DMs

This expression refers to sending a direct message (DM) to someone, particularly on platforms like Instagram. The host highlights that this action usually carries a "romantic purpose," implying that the sender is interested in the recipient. While celebrities frequently receive these messages from strangers, the term specifically implies an attempt to initiate contact with someone you are not close to, often with the hope of building a romantic connection.

3. Take Down a Video or Post

When a video or post is "taken down," it means it has been deleted from a social media platform. The host notes two primary reasons for this: either the creator chooses to remove content they are no longer proud of or want to keep private, or a platform removes it due to policy violations, such as "inappropriate" content or copyright infringement regarding music.

4. Get Canceled

"Cancel culture" is a movement where the public or a celebrity's own fans decide to "punish" a famous person for "bad behavior." This behavior might include making "racist comments" or "sexually harassing other people." Once someone is canceled, the public attempts to strip away their fame by refusing to watch their content or follow them. The host cites the example of Ellen DeGeneres, whose popularity plummeted after employees accused her of "mistreating them at work," demonstrating how a public reputation can be dismantled through collective action.

5. Go Viral

To "go viral" means that a piece of content is seen by a massive number of people within a "short period of time." The host clarifies that while a video might eventually reach a million views over a decade, that does not qualify as going viral; the speed of the engagement is the defining factor. While there is no guaranteed formula for virality, the host notes that content featuring "cats or dogs" often has a higher likelihood of capturing widespread internet attention.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I hope you're doing well today.
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Do you like it when i have a guest?
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Let's get right into it.
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What do you think?
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Let me know in the comments below.
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📝Key Phrases

1
spill the tea
2
juicy information
3
slide into someone's DMs
4
get in touch with
5
take down a video
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📖 Transcript

Welcome to a new episode of English Vocabulary Booster.
My name is Lara and I'm a SALSA-certified English teacher.
Learning new vocabulary usually takes a long time, but we'll do it in a way that's easy, quick and efficient.
In every episode, we'll learn how to use five new English words or expressions, so that you too can start speaking like a native.
So let's get learning.
You guys, how are you?

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