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[Social Media Slang: Navigating Modern Digital Expressions]-[Episode 133 - Social Media]

English Vocabulary Booster · B1 · 2022-10-26

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📋 Summary

Navigating Modern Social Media Vocabulary

In this episode of the English Vocabulary Booster podcast, host Lara explores the nuances of modern digital communication by breaking down five essential social media-related expressions. Through a relatable dialogue between friends, the episode highlights how our online interactions have evolved into a specific subculture with its own linguistic rules.

1. Facebook Official

Being "Facebook official" signifies that a relationship has reached a level of seriousness where the couple feels comfortable announcing it publicly on the platform. As Lara explains, it implies moving past casual dating to a committed status. While she notes that some younger generations may view Facebook as a platform for "old people," the term remains a cultural shorthand for making a relationship public, even if the actual practice of updating one's status has declined in popularity.

2. Deep Liking

"Deep liking" refers to the act of scrolling back through someone's social media feed—potentially months or years into the past—to like old content. Lara identifies this as a deliberate, time-consuming action. Unlike a standard interaction, deep liking is often a subtle way to signal interest in someone, as it demonstrates that the user has taken the time to "dig a little bit deeper" into the other person's history.

3. Thirst Trap

A "thirst trap" is a photo or post specifically crafted to attract attention, usually of a sexual nature. Lara clarifies that these posts are not about sharing mundane daily updates, like photos of breakfast; instead, they are designed to make followers "stop when they're scrolling." She shares a personal anecdote about posting such content while in long-distance relationships, noting that it served as an indirect way to "show off" and receive validation.

4. Hate Watching

"Hate watching" describes the act of consuming content—such as reality TV shows or videos—that one does not genuinely enjoy. The purpose is not entertainment in the traditional sense, but rather the pleasure derived from "mocking" or "criticizing" the subjects of the content. Lara admits to being a frequent "hate watcher" of shows like 90 Day Fiancé, noting that while the content is "cringy," she finds satisfaction in analyzing the poor behavior of the participants.

5. Instagram Handle

An "Instagram handle" is the unique username that follows the "@" symbol. It serves as an individual's digital identity on the platform. Lara uses this term to remind listeners of the importance of clear digital identifiers, even promoting her own handle, @nboo.official, to encourage listeners to connect with her outside of the podcast.

By contextualizing these terms, the episode illustrates how social media has created a new lexicon that reflects our desire for connection, validation, and even critical entertainment in the digital age.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I hope you're doing well.
2
I hope you're ready for a bunch of new expressions.
3
we just made it Facebook official.
4
Oh boy, that is serious.
5
I mean, I couldn't believe it.
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📝Key Phrases

1
Facebook official
2
deep like
3
thirst trap
4
hate watch
5
Instagram handle
Expand All

📖 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! guys.
Welcome.

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