Do you ever catch yourself using TikTok lingo in real life? Phrases like “it’s giving,” “NPC” or softened words like “unalive” have quietly moved beyond comment sections and into everyday conversation.

Like many Generation Z users, I’ve caught myself using “algospeak” without even realizing it. Algospeak combines the words “algorithm” and “speak.” It refers to coded language, euphemisms and intentional misspellings by social media users to bypass automated content moderation. Following TikTok’s change in ownership on Jan. 22, 2026 — when control shifted to U.S. investors — many users feel that increased scrutiny and political pressure from the Trump administration have led them to censor themselves even more carefully online.

Using algorithm-safe language out of habit has shifted beyond TikTok and into my daily conversations. It may seem harmless, but the normalization of coded language suggests a quiet self-censorship, the idea that speaking plainly could carry consequences. This results in shaping a generation that speaks carefully instead of freely, especially when talking about politics on platforms like TikTok. 

I came across a TikTok user with a big following that posted a video talking about immigration in the United States. However, the video was silenced, only receiving a few likes, seemingly because it was not pushed onto users’ feeds by the platform.

While these expressions may seem like harmless internet slang, many of them stem from a deeper motivation: avoiding content being flagged, hidden or removed by platform algorithms. As social media becomes more influential, members of Gen Z aren’t just creating new languages; they are learning to filter their expression in ways that extend far beyond TikTok itself.

Algospeak is a way for users to talk about sensitive topics without being silenced. In the past few years, I’ve seen algospeak evolve as users understand it more and creatively come up with ways to “cheat the system.” I think this is positive, as it allows creators to post about sensitive, controversial or taboo topics without having their posts removed or accounts being banned. 

Anna Oshel, a high school English teacher in Westmont, Illinois, says TikTok language appears far more in conversation, as students will often use phrases like “it’s giving” when referring to her outfits.

Oshel also notes that TikTok language operates beneath the surface. Students often choose words that appear harmless while still communicating deeper meaning. 

She said that “some terms seem innocuous but carry different connotations,” suggesting that what appears to be harmless slang can function as a form of insider communication.

Stephen Goodwin, a junior studying computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence, says his use of TikTok language is still intentional. 

“Its still a conscious choice for me,” he said.

Goodwin hasn’t had content removed, but he believes people intentionally modify their vocabulary because “no one wants to lose their voice online.” To him, algospeak is less about silencing yourself and more about creatively navigating moderation systems. Still, the need to strategically alter language, even consciously, reflects a generation that has learned to filter its words before sharing them.

When code words, emojis and slang function as a way around algorithmic censorship, it reinforces the idea that some thoughts or concepts must be hidden. I tend to be more cautious now when going to a platform like TikTok, because it continues to silence users who are trying to raise awareness about important topics.

 While learning to navigate algorithmic censorship, Gen Z has developed a way that balances creativity and caution. It has become increasingly important to question a digital environment where changing how we speak isn’t just trendy, but necessary to be heard.

Related Stories:

• Is ‘looksmaxxing’ just another fad — or a warning?
• It’s just an unfollow … why does it mean so much?
• Chic or unchic: The algorithm behind your outfit