What do you think of when you hear Gen Z slang? Maybe "bussin'," or "on God," or something else entirely. However, this allegedly generation-based vernacular is actually AAVE (African-American Vernacular English, also Ebonics or Black Vernacular English [BVE]) co-opted by non-Black social media users. In short, AAVE is a vernacular derived from the African diaspora and previously enslaved people. In recent years, with the rise of Gen Z populating the internet, AAVE has entered a duality that translates to Black culture as a whole: People use traditionally Black phrases to elevate their "coolness," while deeming the use of AAVE by those it is meant for as "unprofessional."
In "Gen Z slang and its deep roots in Black culture," Maia Ervin, JUV's Chief People Officer, pointed out "non-Black TikTokers" profit from appropriating AAVE, instead of "Black youths who have created much of the vernacular and trends." For example, @taraswrld went viral for her "finna be in the pit" comment, incorrectly using the AAVE term "finna" to seem cooler. Instead of letting Black users laugh at it, Tara came back and told them they "are not going to make it through this life." Other white TikTokers joined her in attacking Black people for poking lighthearted fun at AAVE appropriation. When users like Tara use cultural vernacular for their own gain and attack marginalized people for being (rightfully) offended, they take the words of a group while invalidating the theivery of their identity.
Non-Gen Zers, from SNL to Clayton Farris, have co-opted AAVE in an attempt to poke fun at Gen Z. However, the responsibility to learn falls on both groups. Assigning this vernacular to a "cool" status when it's used by non-Black people but a "ghetto" status with Black people erases the diverse identities of an entire race, especially Black trans femmes.
The AAVE discussion raises the question: What is Gen Z's culture? Is our collective identity founded on appropriating another one?
