Language is constantly evolving but with the use of technology, it is changing at a faster rate, said a sex and relationship expert.
Are you one of those people who find it hard to decode the Gen-Z language, especially about dating? If your answer is yes, then do not worry. This dating app has a solution for you. According to New York Post, Tinder has now come up with a "dating dictionary" that will help older generations to better understand and grasp different terms used by Gen-Z nowadays. Tinder released a handy guide after research showed that 62 percent of singles between 18 to 25 years old feel that they speak a different language compared to older singles, especially when it comes to dating.
A sex and relationships expert from Sydney, Georgia Grace, said that the "dating dictionary" will be helpful for everyone even for people who are not dating or are not in a relationship. “Although the basics of dating haven’t really changed, the majority of Gen Z’s feel that they speak a very different language than their parents and grandparents when it comes to dating."
“While it’s not too much of a concern – because typically people are dating within their generation – the dictionary will make it easier to have dating conversations across different generations," said Georgia. “It is fascinating to read.” Most words included in the dictionary were used from the "Tinder's Year In Swipe 2022" report, which was published in December. “Predominantly it’s the young singles who are coining these new phrases and terms to loosely define their relationship status and they’re going viral on social media and being shared among their friend groups,” Georgia said.
She added that language is constantly evolving, but with the use of technology, it is changing at a faster rate. “It evolves at such a rapid pace that even I have to ask someone from my team to translate a new dating term sometimes – and it’s my job is to stay on top of relationship trends.”
One among those words that have been highlighted by Tinder is "cushioning." It basically means keeping several backup relationships to soften the blow in case the main one does not work out. Another word is "situationship," which means the sticky in-between status when someone is having more than a hook-up but is not exactly a couple. "Dateview" is also a phrase that refers to a date, which is more like an interview.
Recently, Tinder has also begun its new global campaign, which is called, "It Starts with a Swipe." It is being done in partnership with AOR Mischief @ No Fixed Address. It features an all-inclusive cast of Gen Z daters who represent the app's core membership and all the categories they fall under. The campaign has taglines like “Someone to Go to Heaven With,” “Comfortable Silences” and “Someone to Save the Planet With,” as reported by ADWEEK. “We were really intentional on wanting to Hero the word ‘Swipe,’” said Stephanie Danzi, Tinder’s SVP of marketing. “It remains the easiest, more fun way and fast way to meet new people.”
She also added that the company has taken measures to make sure that app provides a safe and healthy experience for all users, especially marginalized communities. “When I think about what we want this campaign to do, it’s really that we want people to feel seen, and see themselves reflected,” she said.