ALGOSPEAK

What Does ALGOSPEAK Mean?

The Quick Answer

ALGOSPEAK is the changing of words to avoid automated content moderation systems.

More Detail...

Algospeak is a combination of the words "algorithm" and "speak." It refers to the abbreviation, deliberate misspelling, or substitution of words in order to bypass automated content moderation systems on chat forums, comment sections and, especially, on social media networks, such as as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. The use of words deemed offensive or inappropriate by automated algorithms can lead to posts being deleted, or users being suspended or even banned. For this reason, a whole new vocabulary of algospeak has developed, specifically designed to avoid triggering the algorithms. However, while automated filters are intended to prevent users from saying things they shouldn't, they often just prompt users to engage in algospeak instead. Popular examples of algospeak include:

• 304 = Prostitute or Promiscuous Woman.
• @N4L = Anal.
• Accountant = Sex Worker.
• Corn = Porn.
• Cornucopia = Homophobia.
• Eggplant = Penis.
• Le$bean/ Le Dollar Bean / Le Dollar Sign Bean = Lesbian.
• Leg Booty = LGBT.
• Nip Nops = Nipples.
• SA = Sexual Assault.
• Saltine = White Person.
• Secks = Sex.
• Seggs = Sex.
• Spicy Eggplant = Vibrator.
• Swimmers = Vaccinated People.
• Unalive = Dead.

Image for ALGOSPEAK

Algospeak is used to avoid automated content moderation.

Summary of Key Points

ALGOSPEAK
Definition:	Changing of Words to Avoid Automated Content Moderation
Type:	Word
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at ALGOSPEAK

• A new meaning for an existing word (e.g., cloud, mood, tweet, viral).
• A completely new word (e.g., emoji, fomo, selfie).
• A new combination of existing words, or words with prefixes or suffixes (e.g., cloutrage, digital detox, oversharing, situationship).

Neologisms are often the result of changes in technology, culture, or social norms, and they can be found in fields such as science, technology, politics, and popular culture. Some neologisms become widely used and enter mainstream vocabulary, while others remain obscure or limited to specific communities or contexts.

Example of ALGOSPEAK Used in a Text

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