76-Year-Old Gyles Brandreth Embraces Gen Z Slang with Alexa's Help

Gyles Brandreth, the 76-year-old former Conservative MP and broadcaster, has found an innovative way to stay current with language trends. The wordsmith has been utilizing his Amazon Alexa device to learn Gen Z phrases, demonstrating his enduring passion for linguistic evolution.

In a recent piece for Oldie magazine, Brandreth shared his linguistic journey: "I've had a 'hot girl summer' (a unisex expression for feeling confident and carefree). Nothing 'ick' (distasteful) or 'mid' (average) has come my way since I began chatting to Alexa and asking her to share her favourite Gen Z words and phrases."

Among the terms Brandreth has added to his vocabulary are "rizz" (charisma), "to slay" (to perform well), and "the math is mathing" (describing something incorrect that doesn't add up). This last phrase particularly intrigued the former politician, known for his quick wit and expansive vocabulary.

Gen Z, defined by the Oxford Dictionary as individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has significantly influenced modern language, particularly through social media platforms. Their slang and abbreviations have become increasingly prevalent, sometimes causing confusion among older generations.

A recent study by tour company Evan Evans highlighted this generational language gap. The poll of 2,034 British adults revealed that 51% of those over 65 find the rising popularity of such abbreviations confusing. Moreover, 45% of respondents across all age groups admitted to being unfamiliar with trendy abbreviations like "holijobs" (holiday work), "cozzie livs" (cost of living), and "banny hols" (bank holiday).

This linguistic divide isn't just affecting intergenerational communication within the UK. It's also impacting international visitors, with some calling for new phrasebooks to help navigate the evolving language landscape. This development could have implications for the UK's tourism industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy.

Brandreth's approach to learning new slang reflects a broader interest in bridging generational gaps through language. As he puts it, "What's your everything? I have a passion for words and language and I love the way language keeps evolving."

"Spilling the tea (meaning sharing the goss), I can tell you I've had a 'hot girl summer' (it's a unisex expression for feeling confident and carefree)."

While some may view the proliferation of new slang and abbreviations as a challenge, Brandreth's enthusiasm for linguistic evolution serves as a reminder of language's dynamic nature. His efforts to stay current, even at 76, demonstrate that curiosity and adaptability know no age limits.

As the UK continues to navigate changing communication styles and their impact on various sectors, including tourism, Brandreth's approach offers a positive example of embracing linguistic diversity and fostering intergenerational understanding.