Up for Debate: Is brand slang ‘based’ or ‘cringe’?

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If you have kids or young people in your life, you may have heard some unfamiliar slang lately, including phrases such as “ate,” “clocked it,” “crash out,” “chopped” and “rizz.”

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — If you have kids or young people in your life, you may have heard some unfamiliar slang lately, including phrases such as “ate,” “clocked it,” “crash out,” “chopped” and “rizz.”

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Now, more brands are using that slang and popular memes on social media in an effort to connect with younger audiences.

It can be funny to see corporate accounts interacting with users in the comments, but some people say brands can cross the line into cringe when they try too hard to keep up with the latest trends.

There’s also concern that using slang or memes without understanding their meaning can backfire, particularly when a trend has an inappropriate or potentially dangerous meaning.

So, the question is: Should brands be more careful about the line between a funny meme and a trend that could alienate or offend their audience?

What do you think — yay or nay? Let us know in the comment section below.

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About The Author
Yarden Ben-David

Yarden Ben-David

Yarden Ben-David started at WPLG in 2020 and worked his way up to Executive Producer in 2025.

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born on Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida, since 1994.