2024 marks a significant moment in the evolution of the Italian language, with the entry of five new terms into the Treccani dictionarydirectly linked to the platform TikTok. This phenomenon, which highlights the influence of digital culture on everyday language, reflects the adaptation of the Italian language to the social and cultural changes generated by the internet.
2024 opens with the consecration of words like Creator, Delulu, Demure, POV e Slayarewhich gained traction thanks to the TikTok universe. If in 2023 the term had dominated the scene BookTokthis year we are witnessing a further expansion of the lexicon linked to the platform, which continues to influence not only the world of social media but also everyday conversation. These are expressions which, despite coming from digital language, have managed to fit into common discourse, broadening their original meaning.
Creator: This term refers to those who create and publish content, particularly videos, intended for digital platforms. It is a role that has established itself thanks to the growing professionalization of those who produce content for the web.
Before: Derived from the language of social media, it describes someone who indulges in unachievable fantasies, such as those involving imaginary relationships with famous people. It is a word that contains an idea of unattainable optimism, but also a desire to dream.
Demure: If initially used to describe an elegant and reserved person, the term on TikTok has taken on an ironic and critical meaning, indicating an attitude of affected composure, often linked to hypocrisy.
POV (Point Of View): In this case, it refers to a type of shot in which the creator of the content does not physically appear, but shows a subjective point of view to allow the viewer to identify with the narrative. POV has become a widely used tool for telling stories in a more direct and personal way.
Slayer: This term describes the act of doing a great job or achieving a particularly satisfactory performance. Born in the context of social media, it is used to express admiration for someone who has “hit the mark” in a particular activity.
Massimo Bray, General Director of Treccaniunderlined how new technologies are changing our way of interpreting linguistic phenomena, especially through platforms like TikTok. “TikTok is a privileged observatory for social changes, where immediacy and interactivity are central,” Bray said. The platform has in fact contributed to spreading new ways of expression that reflect broader cultural trends, and Treccani has been able to observe this process directly thanks to his account on TikTok.
Testimonials from creators
Several prominent figures on the platform have spoken about how these terms came into being and how they have influenced their experience on TikTok. Martina Socratesfor example, talked about the complexity of being a Creatora role that evolves based on personal and professional growth. Crazy Varini discussed the concept of Formerlydescribing it as a form of hope, an optimism that may seem unachievable, but which reflects the desire to dream.
Lavinia Giuliani covered the term Demuredescribing how, through ironic use, this term has returned to our daily vocabulary, representing a criticism of hypocritical attitudes. Mattia Stangainstead, he told how the POV has revolutionized the way we tell stories, giving voice to every point of view and breaking down geographical barriers.
In the end, BigMamaknown for her expression hai slayato!he explained how the term Slayer represent a form of positive energy and support, not only for yourself but also for others.
May Bullawinner of the title of BookTok Creator dell’anno 2024talked about the importance of the community of readers on TikTok, which has also had a significant impact on the publishing world. After seeing the term BookTok enter the vocabulary in 2023, it's interesting to see how the platform continues to influence and amplify cultural trends, inclusively and creatively transforming the way we express ourselves and interact with the world.
