The Usage of Acronym Slang Found in @whitepeoplehumor Instagram Account Comment Section

Komang Juliantara; Verayanti Utami

doi:10.30998/vkkbpx67

Authors

I Komang Juliantara Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar Author
Ni Made Verayanti Utami Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30998/vkkbpx67

Keywords:

Comment section, Instagram, Slang, Sociolinguistic

Abstract

This study investigates the usage of acronym slang in the comment sections of the @whitepeoplehumor Instagram account between January to May 2025. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the research focusing on ten prominent acronym slang terms. Each term was examined for its meaning, context of use, and communicative function. The findings reveal that acronym slang serves multiple purposes, including expressing agreement or disagreement, signaling emotions, creating humorous or ironic effects, and reinforcing group identity. However, frequent use of such slang may hinder comprehension for unfamiliar audiences and reduce reliance on standard English. The study highlights the dual role of acronym slang as both a creative linguistic tool and a potential communication barrier in digital interactions. These insights contribute to the understanding of sociolinguistic dynamics in online discourse, particularly among Generation Z users.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Allan, K., & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring of language.

Amalia, F., Umar, F., & Zakaria, U. (2025). Penggunaan Slang dalam Komunikasi Virtual Pada Media Sosial oleh Generasi Z.

Cuncic, A, M. (2023, July 28). The Psychology of Shame. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-shame-5115076

Hafsa, G., Ahmad, S., & Shah, A. (2023). under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 Communication Perspectives in Academic Settings: Employees’ Perception Approach. Human Nature Journal of Social Sciences, 4(2), 331–343. http://hnpublisher.com

Halliday, M. A. K., & H. R. (1985). 568090230-Language-Context-and-Text-Halliday-Hasan.

Indra, S. (2024). RETORIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa 2024 CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 License An Analysis of Slang Words Used in Social Media (Instagram). https://doi.org/10.55637/jr.10.1.9710.347-352

Holmes, J. & Wilson, J. (2022). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics.

Meriläinen, M., & Ruotsalainen, M. (2024). Online Disinhibition, Normative Hostility, and Banal Toxicity: Young People’s Negative Online Gaming Conduct. Social Media and Society, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051241274669

Nassaji, H. (2015). Qualitative and descriptive research: Data type versus data analysis. In Language Teaching Research (Vol. 19, Issue 2, pp. 129–132). SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168815572747

Rusu, M. (2023). 1. Aspects of Interpersonal Communication – the Exchange of Communicative Intentions . Review of Artistic Education, 26(1), 220–228. https://doi.org/10.2478/rae-2023-0031

Semiba, S. (2019). Bahasa Slang Generasi Muda dalam Media Sosial di Era Milenial. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338183392

Shokhrukh, A. (2024). The Impact of Social Media on Teenage English Slang: Investigating The Influence of Platforms Like Instagram and Tiktok on The Evolution of English Slang Among Teenagers.

Silalahi, E. B. (2020). Applying Round-Robin Brainstorming on Introduction to Linguistics class. EnJourMe (English Journal of Merdeka) : Culture, Language, and Teaching of English, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.26905/enjourme.v5i2.4048

Walter, N., Cody, M. J., Xu, L. Z., & Murphy, S. T. (2018). A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar: A meta-analysis of humor effects on persuasion. Human Communication Research, 44(4), 343–373. https://doi.org/10.1093/hcr/hqy005

Wardhaugh, R. & Fuller, J. M. (2015). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics.