British children are unknowingly incorporating ‘Americanisms’ into their vocabulary, experts from language learning app Preply have revealed.
From ‘period’ to ‘for real’, these words and phrases are hugely popular across the pond.
Now, they’re becoming mainstream in classrooms across the UK, thanks to American TV shows, YouTube channels, and video games.
‘The expansion of the English language is a natural part of how vocabulary evolves. Right now, American media dominates much of what children consume,’ explained the experts at Preply.
‘From popular Netflix shows like Cocomelon to YouTube channels such as MrBeast and games like Fortnite and Minecraft, which bring together players from around the world, children are constantly exposed to American slang and humour.
‘This exposure is likely why so many are adopting certain words into their everyday speech.’
If you hear your child spouting these Americanisms, there’s no need to panic – the experts reassure these changes are ‘usually temporary and harmless’.
So, how many of these US words and phrases do you know the British equivalent of?
British children are unknowingly incorporating ‘Americanisms’ into their vocabulary, experts from language learning app Preply have revealed
Preply highlights several of the most common Americanisms creeping into British children’s vocabulary.
‘Period’ is typically used to show finality or to end a discussion.
For example, you might hear your child saying something like: ‘No, I’m not tidying my room, period.’
The closest British equivalent would be ‘end of’, according to Preply.
‘I’m good’ is often used as a polite refusal, in place of ‘no thanks’.
Meanwhile, ‘my bad’ is typically used to admit responsibility or to apologise for a mistake.
Finally, ‘for real’ is a term usually used in American English to express sincerity or surprise.
‘”You had teeth out? For real?” in British English [would be] something like “are you serious?”.’ Preply’s experts said.
When kids spend time watching American TV shows and YouTube channels, or playing American video games, they subconsciously begin to mirror what they hear (stock image)
When kids spend time watching American TV shows and YouTube channels, or playing American video games, they subconsciously begin to mirror what they hear.
This is through a process known as ‘linguistic convergence’, according to Preply.
‘It happens when our brains adjust our speech and vocabulary to match the people we hear regularly,’ the experts explained.
‘It is something humans have done for generations. It helps us feel accepted and part of a group.
‘For children, whose sense of belonging is still developing, this kind of language mirroring can be especially strong.’
While it might seem like your child is rejecting British English, the experts say this is not the case.
‘It simply reflects the media they are surrounded by, much like how we all adapt to new environments,’ they added.
Thankfully, the adoption Americanisms is usually only fleeting, and will likely fade away as their interests change.
‘What is important to remember is that parents do not need to correct or tell children off for using Americanisms,’ the experts said.
‘Instead, it helps to understand why these words are being used in place of what came before.
‘We often see words fade from use because of shifts in culture or values, particularly in a modern, interconnected society where language changes all the time.
‘This is especially true with children’s exposure to social media and the slang they pick up.
‘Young people are leading the way in how language evolves, and it is not something we can change or stop by simply telling them off for it.’
