Algospeak

How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language

De: Adam Aleksic

Narrado por: Adam Aleksic

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From linguist Adam Aleksic, known as @etymologynerd on social media, comes a captivating exploration of how internet algorithms are transforming language and communication in unprecedented ways.

“Packed with fascinating facts, of-the-moment observations, and a sparkling voice, Algospeak is a gift to any word nerd. Deftly covering everything from emoji etymologies and trendbait to Taylor Swift fanilects... Adam Aleksic is the wise, yet accessible internet linguistics oracle we need.”—Amanda Montell, author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and Cultish

From “brainrot” memes and incel slang to the trend of adding “-core” to different influencer aesthetics, the internet has ushered in an unprecedented linguistic upheaval. We’re entering an entirely new era of etymology, heralded by the invisible forces driving social media algorithms. Thankfully, Algospeak is here to explain. As a professional linguist, Adam Aleksic understands the gravity of language and the way we use it: he knows the ways it has morphed and changed, how it reflects society, and how, in its everyday usage, we carry centuries of human history on our tongues. As a social media influencer, Aleksic is also intimately familiar with the internet’s reach and how social media impacts the way we engage with one another. New slang emerges and goes viral overnight. Accents are shaped or erased on YouTube. Grammatical rules, loopholes, and patterns surface and transform language as we know it. Our interactions, social norms, and habits—both online and in person—shift into something completely different.

As Aleksic uses original surveys, data, and internet archival research to usher us through this new linguistic landscape, he also illuminates how communication is changing in both familiar and unexpected ways. From our use of emojis to sentence structure to the ways younger generations talk about sex and death (see unalive in English and desvivirse in Spanish), we are in a brand-new world, one shaped by algorithms and technology. Algospeak is an energetic, astonishing journey into language, the internet, and what this intersection means for all of us.

©2025 Adam Aleksic (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Aleksic offers an insider’s view of a new oral tradition. . . . The fact that he’s chosen to explain this moment in the long, careful, linear form of a book is part of what makes Algospeak so valuable. Aleksic is a code-switcher for the algorithmic age, fluent in both the old language and the new.”—Sadie Dingfelder, The Washington Post

“Algospeak is a fascinating blend of etymology, psychology, cultural analysis and first-person perspective. The book acts as both a snapshot of our current, social media-imbued society and as an intellectual foundation for language developments to come. . . . Aleksic’s writing feels personable and knowledgeable as he translates his online presence offline, and in doing so, demonstrates his own claims about parasocial relationships and owning one’s audience.”—Rachel S. Hunt, Associated Press

“Packed with fascinating facts, of-the-moment observations, and a sparkling voice, Algospeak is a gift to any word nerd. Deftly covering everything from emoji etymologies and trendbait to Taylor Swift fanilects, incel slang, and the true origins of ‘cool’ words, Adam Aleksic is the wise, yet accessible internet linguistics oracle we need.”—Amanda Montell, New York Times bestselling author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and Cultish

One of the best books I've ever read

I'm a huge fan of The Etymology Nerd and had been eagerly awaiting this book for months. While linguistic evolution in the age of social media is not initially how I found him (it was originally foreign language connections), I still found myself intrigued. This book was a perfect reflection of Aleksic's content and presence on social media as a whole. It truly felt like just a super long version of one of his tiktoks, just without seeing his face. I really recommend this book to anyone studying linguistics, etymologic trends, the impacts of social media, or any fan of The Etymology Nerd in general!
(If Adam does actually read this, hi! Big fan! Please write another book!)

A great discussing linguistic development in regards to social media

As a member of gen Z I appreciate the authors explanation of the linguistic development of language as influenced by social media. I particularly enjoyed the chapter discussing Incell culture. As someone that ironically used Incell language unknowingly, I appreciate the detailed history and depth of Incell language. I love this book and will be recommending this book to others.

Bet. This book? Absolute W🔥

Had me like “yo we really speak in emojis now 😭💀”
It’s giving English class but with rizz.
Big brain stuff but make it scrollable.
10/10 would recommend to the group chat.

interesting look into internet slang

It was an interesting listen.

However, I am still not convinced the marginalized communities are actively harmed by having their slang appropriated. The book also omitted slang originating from gaming, though there was one passing reference to NPCs. It would also have been nice if "goblincore" was explained in the book given how often it was mentioned.

Overall, the information was well researched and interesting and it is still worth a listen for fans of EtymologyNerd.

Everything I imagined it would be

Adam did not disappoint! I love his content and this was such a fascinating topic.

Like 5 hours of his Videos

I enjoyed the look through our modern digital landscape and words. I experience most new linguistic innovations through twitch streamers and YouTubers so it is very interesting to see a perspective from someone both knowledgeable and deeply embedded in the Short form Algo culture.

I would say though that the core thesis is rather belabored by the end of the book and I would have liked to see more focused word analysis than the focus on broader trends.

Fun and thought-provoking

As something of an etymology nerd myself and as a fan of Adam's social media content, it was interesting to get his thoughts on the sociological implications of the contemporary internet.

Going into the book, I expected mostly etymology-related content. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the scope was wider! He gave his insider perspective on how influencers mold their content to align with what they imagine would perform best within the algorithm, and provided historical context to the development of slang.

My biggest takeaway from the book is that language is a collection of memes (using Dawkins' original meaning of the word).

In all seriousness, Adam's performance was great, the book was a fun and informative read, and the only feedback I have is that I would love to either read more from Adam or to see long-term, academic content from him!

On God Illuminating

Love this book and so glad I followed him on Instagram. Valuable on many levels in particularly being an older millennial parent, but also incredibly insightful to the Zeitgeist of influence culture online.

Informative, Entertaining, and Concise

The book seamlessly weaves together many linguistic concepts into a easily digestible book for any willing to read it. The analysis on how the internet is influencing language change is equal parts intriguing and well thought out. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone with even the slightest interest in etymology or internet culture.

Very insightful and well researched

I really like how he delved into the different communities where words and phrases originated and explained how they went from in group to out groups. And for those of you who saw my use of the word "delve" no, this was not written by AI, it's a word that I actually use. It's a really fun read about linguistics that the subject really needs as there's so much misinformation and discrimination going around about it.