How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak
How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak  
Podcast: Culture Study Podcast
Published On: Wed Sep 10 2025
Description: This one’s a weird one! But it’s also going to elucidate a bunch of bewildering phrases that you might have noticed popping up in advertisements or in teens’ conversations. Adam Aleksic runs the incredibly popular TikTok/IG/YouTube account Etymology Nerd, where he breaks down how new phrases and memes travel across the internet. Today, we’re talking to him about the way these phrases also make their way into our spoken language — and how algorithms function as a new engine in language change. Like I said, it’s a weird one — but it’s also incredibly interesting.Thanks to the sponsors of today’s episode!Get 15% off your first purchase using code CULTURE at FastGrowingTrees.comHead to moshlife.com/CULTURE to save 20% off, plus free shipping, on the Best sellers Trial Pack or the NEW plant-based trial packGet better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy and use CULTUREPOD to get an additional 30% off at blissy.com/CULTUREPODTake your food to the next level with Graza Olive Oil. Visit https://graza.co/CULTURESTUDY and use promo code CULTURESTUDY for 10% off your first order!Show Notes:You can find Adam’s Tiktoks hereA recent example of a very Adam Tok:Buy Algospeak here!An explanation of Italian BrainrotThe Year in Brainrot (which explains how Skibdi is involved in all of this)Some Fifth Graders Playing Around with Brainrot terms:A hilarious wormhole Reddit explanation of Skibidi RizzAnother explainer of Italian BrainrotAdam on Labubu Chocolate Crumbl Cookie (???) memes as ‘Microbrainrot’We don’t talk about this in the show but I find it fascinating: Is There a Fortnite Accent?We’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:Running a Small Business — and How to Make It Sustainable & Survivable (with Jen Hewett!)All things Love is Blind with Audie CornishDifferent Modalities of Hanging Out (aka, best ways to hang out with different people) with Mary HK ChoiBaseball Culture (with Ali Liebegott and Melody as additional co-host!!!)The history/utility/culture of OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE GEAR with Avery Trufelman (of Articles of Interest)What an actually family-friendly society would look like (with Elliot Haspel)An ADULT HOBBIES crossover episode with Forever35!Anything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything, it’s literally the name of the segment!As always, you can submit them (and ideas for future eps) hereFor this week’s discussion: What other forms of ‘algospeak’ do you see popping up in your life?