TikTok Reshapes English: 'It's Giving' Takes On New Meaning
The phrase 'it's giving' has evolved to describe a feeling or impression, with examples like 'It's giving Nick and Schmidt' and 'She's giving equestrian', and is now used beyond TikTok in podcasts, comedy, and TV
TikTok is accelerating language change, with new phrases and expressions moving into everyday use in a couple of years, rather than decades. One such phrase is 'it's giving', which means something like 'it resembles', 'it evokes' or 'it has the feel of'. For example, 'It's giving Nick and Schmidt' or 'She's giving equestrian' use the phrase to describe a feeling or impression.
The phrase 'it's giving' probably developed from expressions such as 'giving off a certain vibe'. Over time, users dropped 'off' and then 'vibe', leaving the shorter form: 'it's giving'. This new use of the verb 'give' has its own sophisticated syntactic structure, according to researcher Cathy Xu from UNSW Sydney.
Cathy Xu is studying how TikTok users play with language and how new forms spread through the platform. Her research shows that users are developing new ways to structure sentences and new meanings for familiar words. The phrase 'it's giving' can be followed by an adjectival phrase or an independent clause, making it a versatile expression.
The use of 'it's giving' is not limited to TikTok. It has been used in podcasts, comedy, and television, demonstrating its spread beyond the platform. Examples of 'it's giving' include 'This is giving enlightened' and 'It's giving someone's been hitting the gym', showcasing its ability to describe a wide range of feelings and impressions.
## Why it matters The rapid evolution of language on TikTok has significant implications for how we communicate. As language change accelerates, it can be challenging to keep up with new phrases and expressions. However, this change also reflects the creativity and adaptability of language users. The use of 'it's giving' and other similar phrases demonstrates how language can be repurposed and reinterpreted to convey new meanings and ideas.
The study of language change on TikTok also highlights the importance of social media in shaping language. As platforms like TikTok continue to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how language change accelerates and what new phrases and expressions emerge. For now, 'it's giving' remains a fascinating example of how language can be reshaped and reinterpreted in the digital age.
