A new linguistic battlefront has opened in British classrooms as teachers move to ban a wave of incomprehensible slang coined by Generation Alpha. Terms like 'skibidi', 'gyatt', and 'sigma' are being blacklisted for disrupting lessons and creating generational divides.
The slang, largely originating from viral YouTube videos and TikTok trends, has left many educators utterly baffled. What sounds like nonsense to the untrained ear actually carries specific meanings within the youth lexicon.
Decoding the Gen Alpha Dictionary
So what does this mysterious new vocabulary actually mean? When a student says '6 or 7', they're rating something as mediocre or average. 'Gyatt' is an exclamation of surprise or admiration, often used when seeing something impressive. The notorious 'skibidi' comes from a surreal YouTube series and is used as a nonsense catchphrase.
Other terms include 'fanum tax' – the practice of taking someone's food – and 'sigma', describing someone who is cool or successful on their own terms. The word 'rizz' refers to romantic charm or charisma.
Why Schools Are Pushing Back
Teachers across Britain report that constant use of this slang is creating significant classroom disruptions. Lessons are being derailed as pupils communicate in what sounds like a secret code, excluding adults from conversations and sometimes using the terms to make inappropriate comments under the radar.
Many educators argue this exclusive language fosters poor communication skills and disrespectful behaviour. Some schools have begun implementing strict policies against using these terms during lesson time.
The Generation Gap Grows Wider
This linguistic divide highlights the accelerating cultural gap between digital-native children and their teachers. Where previous generations shared some cultural touchstones, Gen Alpha's influencers and meme culture exist almost entirely online, creating a private world that adults struggle to penetrate.
Educational psychologists suggest that while slang has always existed, the speed at which new terms spread and evolve online presents unprecedented challenges for classroom management and effective communication.
