smh.com.au
TikTok Influencer Reshapes Definition of "Demure"
TikTok star Jools Lebron's innovative use of the word "demure" has sparked a 1200% surge in Dictionary.com searches since August, highlighting the power of social media influencers to reshape language.
- What broader trends in language evolution are exemplified by the changing definition of "demure"?
- Lebron's usage portrays "demure" not as mere shyness, but as a sophisticated blend of restraint and inner complexity, influencing other celebrities like J.Lo and Khloe Kardashian. This exemplifies how social media personalities can reshape word meanings and cultural understanding.
- What are the potential long-term implications of online influencers shaping the meanings of words?
- The evolving definition of "demure," driven by online influencers, highlights the dynamic nature of language and its susceptibility to cultural shifts. This trend suggests that future dictionaries will increasingly reflect the impact of social media on word usage and meaning.
- How has TikTok influencer Jools Lebron's rebranding of the word "demure" impacted its usage and meaning?
- TikTok influencer Jools Lebron's redefinition of "demure" has significantly increased its usage and meaning, as evidenced by a 1200% rise in Dictionary.com searches since August. This shift reflects a broader trend of online influencers shaping language evolution.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story positively, highlighting the creative and influential power of social media personalities in shaping language. The headline and introduction emphasize the positive impact of influencers on the word's evolution. This framing might unintentionally downplay potential negative aspects of this influence, such as the spread of misinformation or superficial trends.
Language Bias
The article uses positive and descriptive language when discussing influencers and their impact ("ah-mazing," "curling wand," "unstated elegance"). This positive framing could bias the reader's perception of influencer culture. Phrases like "risky message" when discussing manifesting are somewhat loaded and could benefit from more neutral alternatives.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of influencers on the word "demure" and doesn't explore other potential factors influencing its changing meaning or usage. There is no discussion of linguistic evolution outside of the influence of social media personalities. While this is a limited scope, it could benefit from mentioning other possible contributing factors to the word's evolution.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on female influencers, such as Jools Lebron, J.Lo, Khloe Kardashian, and Charli XCX, while only mentioning RuPaul as a male influencer who adopts this trend. This disproportionate focus could unintentionally reinforce a gendered association with certain trends in language and influence.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how influencers are shaping language and vocabulary, which can be seen as indirectly contributing to education by expanding the understanding and usage of words. The evolution of the word "demure" demonstrates how social media and influencers can influence language learning and adaptation. This process can be considered a form of informal education, reaching a wide audience.