saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics Vol.
6 No.
1, 2025
P-ISSN: 2715-7512.
E-ISSN: 2716-0246
doi:10.
21460/saga.
AN ANALYSIS OF SLANG FOUND IN X THREAD
BY K-POPERS
Rheyza Aulya*.
Heribertus Binawan Universitas Mercu Buana.
Yogyakarta.
Indonesia *Corresponding authorAos email: 211310012@student.
mercubuana-yogya.
Received: 20 November 2024 Accepted: 7 January 2025 Abstract This research focuses on using slang words in social media X, previously known as Twitter, especially in comments by K-pop fans, known as K-popers.
The method used in this research is a qualitative case study, with data collected through participatory observation and content analysis of X comments posted by Kpopers.
Wit a tweet on X being the primary data source.
The analysis includes identifying the types of slang used and its interpretation within the cultural background according to Allan and BurridgeAos theory, as well as a conceptual framework that explains linguistics in aspects of semantics.
This research is expected to provide theoretical insights into linguistic dynamics in online communities and practical benefits in understanding how cultural and social identities are constructed and maintained through language.
Keywords: KPopers.
Linguistic.
Slang.
INTRODUCTION
Language is dynamic.
the way it is used in different periods indicates that the phenomena that happen reflect the changing of the language.
Slang is now widely used in daily conversation, particularly among social media users.
Tagg et al.
claim that social media has developed into a significant medium for creating and disseminating slang, enabling users to generate and disseminate new phrases throughout online communities rapidly.
In this regard.
K-pop fans are among the many communities that frequently use X.
Korean Pop or K-Pop, which has recently become incredibly popular worldwide.
According to Cho .
K-popAos global appeal has led to vibrant fan communities worldwide, with X as one of the primary hubs for engagement and exchange among K-pop enthusiasts.
In their daily interactions.
K-popers often use slang unique to their community.
The online community of K-popers, particularly BTS fans known as ARMY, is one of social mediaAos largest and most active fandoms.
Platforms like X .
ormerly Twitte.
are the main spacsaga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
Vol.
February 2025 Aulya and Binawan es for them to share content, discuss, and express their love for their idols.
Within this community, language is used not only as a means of communication but also as a tool to create identity and form solidarity among fans.
The creative use of language, including slang and figurative expressions, reflects the dynamic interaction between community members and the ever-evolving online culture.
According to Tagg.
Seargeant and Brown .
, in their study of language interaction on social media platforms, the language used in online spaces often turns into a tool to shape group identity and differentiate oneself from outsiders.
This is particularly relevant in the K-popers community context, where community members only understand specific terms.
Phrases like AuI am deadAy or AuKill myselfAy are examples of how fans use language that sounds extreme in a literal sense but has a very different figurative meaning.
These phrases are used to express shock or deep admiration for their idols.
Chun .
also revealed that online communities often use language to communicate and strengthen social cohesion among their members.
In fandom communities like ARMY, language evolves into a way to show membership and loyalty to an idol group.
Using figurative slang allows members to connect in a way that people outside the community cannot understand, creating a kind of exclusive Ausecret languageAy.
Slang is the term for a colloquial language that is frequently used in casual settings or among particular groups in daily conversation.
Slang, according to Harris .
, can be seen as a more innovative and dynamic type of language that lets people express themselves in original and fascinating ways.
According to research by Green .
, slang can be used to forge group identities and increase a sense of camaraderie among neighbours.
Slang is becoming increasingly common on social media due to its ability to create new words and convey meanings specific to its users.
This research is essential because the use of slang among Kpopers on Twitter reflects broader linguistic dynamics in digital society.
it illuminates the significance of language in developing social interaction and group identity in the digital age.
Kim et al.
showed that analysing slang in online communities can provide valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics that develop within those communities and how language shapes social interactions.
X serves as a communication platform and a space where slang shapes social interactions among its users.
According to Gruzd and Haythornthwaite .
, using slang on social media, such as Twitter, creates identity and a sense of community within online communities, allowing users to connect through a distinctive language that strengthens relationships between individuals.
Slang unique to the community, for example, among the K-popers fandom, helps members recognise each other and strengthen bonds in a way that outsiders do not easily understand.
As such, slang not only reflects the communityAos identity but also shapes how users interact, share feelings, and respond to events, building a more cohesive and inclusive social interaction environment for fans worldwide.
X shapes social interaction by providing a space for users to publicly share slang and distinctive language styles, which can then be accessed and understood by members of the same community.
Retweeting and hashtagging features facilitate the spread of these terms, further reinforcing group identity and deepening the sense of community among This research will depict how the use of slang among K-papers on X reflects broader linguistic dynamics in a digital society.
it illuminates the significance of language in developing social interaction and group identity in the digital age.
Kim et al.
showed that analysing slang saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
Vol.
February 2025 An Analysis of Slang Found .
in online communities can provide valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics that develop within those communities and how language shapes social interactions.
By analysing the types of slang used, we can understand how language develops and functions in online communities.
Williams .
also adds that understanding digital subcultures, such as the K-popers community, provides essential insights into how identity and culture are formed in digital According to Smith .
, language serves as a reflection of a groupAos culture and values in addition to being a tool for communication.
As a result, studying slang on Twitter within the context of the K-popers community will help with language comprehension and shed light on how culture and group identification are evolving in the digital sphere.
Examining colloquial language within the K-pop fandom on X is crucial as it mirrors the shifting social structures and cultural shifts in the constantly changing digital age.
Kpopers from Jin .
are devoted fans of Korean pop music (K-po.
who engage in various fan activities, both online and offline, to support their favourite artists and interact with other fans around the world.
Slang reflects a group or communityAos norms, identities, and values and serves as a casual mode of communication.
Slang refers to words, expressions, and usages that are casual, vivid, racy, or playful replacements for standard ones and that often express an attitude of irreverence, defiance, or contempt.
Based on Eble.
stated that slang is a set of terms generated within particular subcultures that are distinctively informal, often metaphorical, and used primarily to establish group identity and social cohesion.
Slang usage on social media platforms like X becomes a significant form of self-expression for K-pop fans, strengthening social bonds and fostering a feeling of community among the fan base.
By examining the slang used by Kpopers on X, we can learn how language is employed in an increasingly linked digital environment to support group identity and provide a platform for cultural expression (Androutsopoulos, 2.
Furthermore, examining slang on social media has broad implications for comprehending how digital communication influences the development of online personas and interpersonal interactions (Page et al.
, 2.
Studies on slang in the Kpopers community on X are significant in a broader social and cultural context and hold academic value, as they offer insights into the dynamics of online communities and their linguistic practices (Varis et al.
, 2.
The (@archiveforta.
account on platform X was chosen as the focus of the research because it significantly impacts K-pop fans, especially the Army.
On June 26, 2024, the account posted content that garnered significant attention from fans and thousands of comments in a short period.
The post went viral, inviting comments in various languages and highlighting the diversity and intensity of the global K-pop communityAos participation on the platform.
The large number of responses from fans coming from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds provided a unique opportunity to observe the use of slang, fandom terms, and typical ways of interacting within this community.
The reason for choosing this account is that its popularity transcends language and national boundaries, making it an ideal representation of cross-cultural interaction and language use within the K-pop fandom community.
The study involved participants who commented on a post on X .
ormerly Twitte.
Their posts became the centre of a lively discussion, especially from June 26 to June 29, 2024, with over 700 comments collected to date.
The post received much attention from BTS fans, especially ARMY, who showed their reactions to VAos post while he was on conscription.
These comments saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
Vol.
February 2025 Aulya and Binawan became the primary source of data in this study, focusing on analysing the use of slang and figurative language used by fans in response to the emotional moment.
The data collected includes expressions, reactions, and interactions that reflect the language dynamics within the K-popers fandom community on social media.
The selection of this post as the primary data source was based on its high popularity and relevance to the phenomenon being analysed, namely, the ARMYAos use of figurative language in response to the moment their idol posted while on conscription in Korea.
This post became one of the hottest topics of discussion among fans during the period, allowing for data collection rich in language variations and emotions.
In addition, with many of the comments coming from one to two days after the post was published, the data obtained was more representative in capturing the spontaneous and genuine reactions of the fan community.
These posts also offer a unique perspective on how language is used to express excitement and shock in the fandom sphere, making them particularly suitable for semantic analysis in this study.
To provide clear guidance in achieving the goals of this study, the research questions are formulated as follows: .
What types of slang are there based on (Allan & Burridge, 2.
in X comments by Kpopers?.
How does the function of slang on X reflect its usage among Kpopers? METHODS The study will use a qualitative research design.
Qualitative research is appropriate for this study as it seeks to understand the meanings and experiences of individuals within specific cultural contexts (Creswell & Poth, 2.
Data will be collected through content analysis of Twitter comments, focusing on identifying and classifying slang words used by K-popers.
This method will enable the researcher to capture the nuances of language use and the social functions of slang within this one community.
This study examines the slang used by K-pop fans, particularly BTSAos fandom.
Army, on Twitter during VAos return posted on his Instagram.
The data collection period was from 26 June 2024 to 27 June 2024, when the Army actively discussed and reacted to VAos post.
This time frame captures a surge of slang usage related to this event.
However, the study is limited to this short window and does not account for slang used before or after this period or during other BTS-related events.
Thus, the findings are contextualized within this specific temporal and cultural The study takes the tweets on X as the data source.
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that allows users to post and interact with messages known as Aotweets.
It facilitates creating and sharing information and building communities (Gruzd & Haythornthwaite, 2.
In this study, the data will be in the form of slang phrases and sentences on Twitter used by K-popers.
This approach is used to fully explain what types of slang are used and how it affects a personAos or communityAos cultural The primary goal of this study is to explore and analyze how K-pop fans (K-poper.
use slang to interact in X .
ormerly Twitte.
, mainly how they use slang to express comments on popular The two main techniques used to collect the data in this study are observation and documentation.
These two techniques will allow the researcher to understand the use of slang in Twitter comments by Kpopers.
saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
Vol.
February 2025 An Analysis of Slang Found .
This approach will allow the researchers to go into great detail, focusing on individual or group cases that stand out in using slang.
It provides a rich picture of the context of slang use, allowing the identification of different patterns of use and facilitating a deeper understanding of the motivations and meanings behind the use of slang in their online interactions.
After that, the researchers will analyze the data using observation and documentation techniques.
The researchers will observe the direct interaction of K-popers in using slang on the X platform.
Observations will be conducted systematically on comments containing slang, focusing on patterns of use, context of use, and interactions between members of the K-popers community.
This technique will allow researchers to see firsthand how slang is used in real situations without any bias or interpretation that might occur in other data collection (Creswell & Poth, 2.
Documentation then involves collecting and analyzing documents relevant to the research, such as X comment texts, news articles, or other materials containing slang used by K-popers.
Data collected from documentation will be used to strengthen the findings from observation and provide additional context on how and why slang is used in online communication (Merriam & Tisdell, 2.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Types of slang This study uses Allan and BurridgeAos theory to determine the types of slang words.
According to Allan and Burridge .
, there are five types of slang words.
Fresh and Creative This type indicates that the slang word has a different vocabulary to describe something in a casual setting.
Many terms that are already common in our subconscious may be slang words that we do not know.
The explanation why these slang words are recognizable to our minds is that these slang words occur long ago, as slang words have already existed since the 18th century, as Allan and Burridge .
have pointed out.
For example.
AumomAy refers to a woman, especially the elderly.
Another example is the word AuCrayAy .
hort for AucrazyA.
Crystal .
found that the term AucrayAy is used in hip-hop culture to describe something extraordinary or crazy.
Flippant Allan and Burridge .
claim that this form indicates that the slang is formed by two or more terms in which the term written does not refer to the denotative meaning.
The definition is AuBreak a legAy, which implies Augood luck.
Ay It is theatrical superstition that finds the hope of good luck to be a tempting fate.
The slang word derives from folk etymology and provides the context of the American actor John Wilkes Booth, who killed President Abraham Lincoln.
The assassin leapt to the stage and broke his leg.
Another example, according to Thorne .
, is an AuAirheadAy .
omeone who is stupid or unintelligen.
Thorne .
points out the use of the term AuairheadAy in pop culture to refer to people considered less intelligent.
Imitative Allan and Burridge .
clarified that the slang word derived from the standard English word, using standard English words with different meanings or combining two different words.
The example is AugonnaAy.
This is the slang word derived from the phrase Augoing toAy.
It is the same saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
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February 2025 Aulya and Binawan with AuBrunchAy .
combination of AobreakfastAo and AolunchA.
Ayto .
noted that AubrunchAy became a popular term to describe the combination of breakfast and lunch Acronym Allan and Burridge .
defined an acronym as the result of the word formed by the first letter of each word in a phrase or made by initials from a group of words or syllables and pronounced as a new word.
An example is NATO, which is the acronym of AuThe North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationAy and AuYOLOAy (You Only Live Onc.
Baron .
identified using AuYOLOAy among adolescents as a life expression focused on experience and adventure.
Clipping This type means that a slang word is made by deleting some parts of a longer word to become a shorter form with the same meaning.
An example is the word AutillAy, which derives from AuuntilAy.
AuFluAy from AoinfluenzaAo.
AuFridgeAy from AorefrigeratorAo.
Burridge and Manns .
note that AufridgeAy is a typical example of clipping used in everyday language.
The words which are commonly used can be clipped into shorter forms.
In addition, the clipping form is not appropriate to use in formal conversation.
The function of slang on X among K-popers This study found some highly popular slang terms used by Kpopers on X in the comment section of Kpopers.
Each term has a unique meaning and function in a specific context:
AuHe is Going to Be the Death Of MeAy The phrase AuHe is going to be the death of meAy is more of a hyperbolic expression to the fans.
shows, in extreme reactions to their idols, appeals within the K-pop community.
This is understood not in a literal way but to describe deep admiration and uncontrollable feelings.
Language like this enables the fans to express their emotions in extreme but funny ways.
such expressions help them bond closer since fellow fans would understand these contexts.
If categorized based on the type of slang by Allan & Burridge .
, then this slang belongs to the Fresh and Creative slang type because it uses dramatic and creative metaphors that imply how strong the influence of idols is for fans.
AuJagiyaAy AuJagiyaAy originated from the Korean word meaning AodearAo or AoloveAo.
AuJagiyaAy is adopted by fans to denote symbolic intimacy with their idols.
AuJagiyaAy means much more than its literal meaning in this usage.
it is a bonding language reflecting the adoption of Korean culture among the global community of K-popers.
The term applies an illusion of proximity, closing themselves toward the K-pop world and showing great cultural awareness.
Suppose the slang is categorized based on the type of slang by Allan & Burridge .
In that case, this slang is included in the type of imitative slang because it is taken directly from the native Korean language, which is used to show cultural closeness and identity.
AuYou are a Man with A Big HeartAy The sentence AuYou are a man with a big heartAy is a meaningful pun here, particularly with V being shirtless in the photo shown to make him reveal his chest and muscles.
Fans use this sentence metaphorically to praise their idolAos physique with playful irony.
This forms part of a saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
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February 2025 An Analysis of Slang Found .
semantic field in K-pop that is both seductive and visceral, through which the physical appeal of an idol is denoted in unique and distinctive ways within a fan community.
If categorized based on the type of slang by Allan & Burridge .
, then this slang belongs to the type of flippant This phrase is playful and hyperbolic.
Instead of referring to nature, it leads to physical admiration, which becomes a joke and admiration for fans.
AuI can bark, woof woof.
Ay The best example of hyperbolic and humorous expressions is AuI can bark, woof woofAy.
mentioned above, highly exaggerated language, such as dog barking sounds, is used within the K-pop fandom to express interest or excitement.
The language is used uniquely by the fans it reinforces their shared identity if it is based on the type of slang by Allan & Burridge .
, then this slang is included in the fresh and creative slang type.
The word AubarkAy as a response to admiration is an uncommon expression, making the term fresh and creative since that does not carry any literal meaning.
Their slang is understood only by those involved in this AuHave Some Mercy on UsAy AuHave some mercy on usAy is a phrase used to describe a fascinating reaction that is so big that fans feel Aooverwhelmed.
Ao In this respect, the fans seem to ask for AomercyAo from their idols because their charisma is too Aoamazing.
Ao This term shows how slang has come into play in describing deep emotions and making the atmosphere intimate and understandable only by fellow fans.
This would be a fresh and creative type of slang if Allan and Burridge categorized This phrase describes an immense amount of admiration in a very creative way.
it shows an exaggerated feeling.
Overall, slang among K-popers shows a very contextualized dynamic of language: fans know or even create phrases which, if taken literally or out of context, would sound weird and not make any sense.
This proves that slang in the K-pop community is not only used as a means of communication but also as one peculiar symbol of identity and solidarity.
Tabel 1.
The K-popers Slang Terms Most Used Slang Terms HeAos Going To Be The Death Of Me Usage Example AuHeAos going to be the death of meAy Jagiya AuMy Jagiya.
Ay Context To describe shock or awe at the visuals of a person or an A Korean word meaning 'dear' or 'honey', used by fans to express a fictitious closeness to their idol.
Semantic FuncDescription Hyperbolic Showing an exaggerated Expression (Ex- emotional reaction in appreciation of the idol's physical appearance.
It is not meant to be literal, but rather a metaphor for the idol's attractiveness.
Borrowed Term This form of expression of .
rom Korea.
intimacy or affection indicates how fans idealize a personal relationship with their favorite idol.
saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
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February 2025 Aulya and Binawan YouAore A Man With A Big Heart AuWow.
look at you, youAore a man with a big heart!Ay HumorousDouble Entered ly used for .
iteral and Taehyung in his humorou.
shirtless photos, where the idolAos pectoral muscles stand out.
This phrase refers to both the literal meaning .
hysically larg.
and the figurative meaning .
aving a good sou.
, but it is used more in satire of the idolAos AuI Can Bark.
Woof WoofAy AuHeAos so hot.
I can bark for him! Woof, woof!Ay Shows how fans respond comically to idols in an exaggerated way to create an emotional connection.
Have Some Mercy On Us AuHave some mercy on us, please!Ay Indicates an response to the idolAos attractiveness, often in the context of praising the idolAos physical Is used to ask idols to stop wowing or overwhelming them with their amazing performances or Hyperbolic and self-deprecating Exaggerated A humorous request plea .
etaphoric directed at idols to AustopAy their charms that fans find too alluring.
usually showing great admiration.
Source: Processed from research data, 2024
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, within the K-pop communities across different platforms like X, the use of slang has more purposes than just communicating.
It is part of oneAos identity and emotions, and it can even serve as an avenue for community solidarity.
To international fans, slang is not a word to be taken literally.
it is a distinctive way to express themselves, feel closer to other fans, and enjoy the music culture of this community.
Every slang word or phrase the meanings of each slang word or phrase used by K-pop fans are deeply tied to their unique cultural and emotional context, which can only be deciphered against highly distinctive cultural and emotional contexts in which the K-pop fandom was replete.
Through the usage of such slang, this research will reveal how social and linguistic dynamics emerge across digital communities in the evolution of language with popular culture.
By doing this, the research provides more detail on the role of slang as a shaper of both linguistic and social identity.
In this context, the relationship between linguistic and social identity reveals how K-pop uses certain words to express group identity and bonds of affection.
Indeed, these are useful conduits for communication, but in society, slang also reinforces a sense of identity and promotes a shared culture among fans.
K-pop fansAo slang reflects who they are as a group, their mood and cultural values.
Words and how they express their membership within the fan club and build relationships between members.
The unique language helps fans feel like they are part of a tight-knit community, even though they are scattered in different countries.
saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
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February 2025 An Analysis of Slang Found .
In addition, slang significantly contributes to forming a Aodigital languageAo replete with symbolism and meaning rooted in context.
This aspect is interesting not only in relation to the study of linguistics and pragmatics but also in explaining how fandom culture gives birth to emergent and evolving forms of communication.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors warmly thank Universitas Mercubuana Yogyakarta for supporting the publication of this article.
REFERENCES