The evolution of the English language: 2025 edition

Hey there! I'm back for a bit.

I’ve decided to explore the evolution of the English language over the centuries and argue that we are currently in the midst of an acronymic linguistic revolution that will cement itself into the modern vernacular. I’m feeling old as new words appear and I have to look them up. These ‘made up words’ have just a s much of a right to exist as ultimately aren’t all words ‘made up’? ​

CGI interpretation of the evolution of langauge

From Beowulf to GOAT

Language is a living thing. It grows, shrinks, and adapts, reflecting the cultural and social shifts of the people who use it. The English language, in particular, has undergone a remarkable evolution, from its earliest forms in literature to the modern slang that dominates today’s vernacular. As we find ourselves in what can only be described as a linguistic renaissance, it’s worth exploring where English has come from, how it has changed, and the current trends shaping its future.

The roots of English literature

To understand the evolution of English, we must go back to the very beginning, or at least as far back as the earliest written works in the language. Old English, the foundation of modern English, can be traced back to Beowulf, the epic poem written between the 8th and 11th centuries. Its dense, Germanic roots are nearly unrecognisable to modern readers:

    “Hwæt! Wē Gār-Dena in geārdagum…”

This bears little resemblance to the language of Shakespeare, let alone the words we use today. Fast-forward to Middle English, and we encounter Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (late 14th century), where English begins to take a more familiar shape:

    “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote…”

Here we see a language in transition, influenced by Norman French, Latin, and Scandinavian tongues. By the time we reach Early Modern English, thanks to Shakespeare and the printing press, we’re on much firmer ground. The English of the 16th and 17th centuries is still challenging but far closer to what we speak now.

Language is always changing

English has never stood still. The Industrial Revolution introduced new technical terms. Globalisation added loanwords from Hindi (bungalow), Arabic (safari), and beyond. The 20th century brought Americanisms and phrases borne out of pop culture.

Consider the humble word cool. Originally used to describe temperature, by the mid-20th century, it had become a catchall term for something stylish or impressive. Words like selfie, blog, and spam were born out of technological advancement, cementing themselves in everyday usage. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), often regarded as the linguistic gatekeeper, continues to reflect these changes. In recent years, entries like bae, yeet, and stan have made their way into its hallowed pages, signalling the mainstream acceptance of slang and internet-derived terms.

A linguistic renaissance

Now, we find ourselves in a peculiar moment in linguistic history. Slang is no longer just the domain of teenagers and subcultures; it is everywhere. Acronyms like GOAT (greatest of all time) or FUBAR (f***ed up beyond all recognition) aren’t just shorthand—they are words in their own right. Much like German compound words, these acronyms carry a weight and meaning that transcends their individual letters.
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Take GOAT. In its entirety, it is an acronym. But its standalone usage, as in, “That player is the GOAT”, requires no additional explanation to those familiar with it. Similarly, FUBAR operates on a cultural understanding that goes beyond its definition. These terms, once niche, have permeated the collective consciousness and are understood universally within certain circles, much like the German word schadenfreude (the pleasure derived from another’s misfortune).

Slang shaping the vernacular

Slang has always been a driver of linguistic evolution, but its current reach is unprecedented. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter accelerate the spread of new terms. The word sus, for example, emerged from online gaming culture and is now widely recognised as shorthand for “suspicious.” This kind of rapid adoption has no historical precedent.

What makes this moment unique is the formal recognition slang receives. It no longer lurks on the fringes, waiting decades for legitimacy. Instead, new words and phrases are swiftly absorbed into the mainstream. The addition of hangry (a blend of hungry and angry) and flex (to show off) to the OED reflects this trend.

In Ireland, England, and America, these changes manifest in distinct yet interconnected ways. Irish youth may incorporate Hiberno-English slang like yoke (thing) alongside Americanisms like lit (amazing). British slang such as peng (attractive) mingles with internet-born terms like simp (a person who shows excessive admiration). Across the Atlantic, Americans use slang as fluidly as punctuation, peppering conversations with fire, clap back, and lowkey.

The future of English

We are undeniably in the midst of a linguistic revolution. Acronyms, slang, and internet terms aren’t just trends; they are shaping the future of English. In many ways, this mirrors how the German language creates compound words that encapsulate complex ideas in a single term. These new forms of expression allow for brevity, clarity, and a sense of belonging among those who understand them.

But this evolution is not without its critics. Purists bemoan the perceived erosion of traditional language structures. Yet, history tells us that English has always adapted to the times. The very same critics would likely struggle with Chaucer’s Middle English or scoffed at Shakespeare’s innovations.

Embracing change

Language is not a museum piece; it is a mirror of the society that speaks it. Slang, acronyms, and internet-driven trends are not ruining English, they are enriching it. These shifts remind us that language is, above all, a tool for communication. As we move deeper into this digital age, we should celebrate the creative ways people are shaping English to suit their needs.

In 500 years, historians may well look back at GOAT and FUBAR as relics of a bygone era. Or, perhaps they’ll marvel at how these terms laid the groundwork for an entirely new linguistic era. Either way, the evolution of English continues, and we are all a part of its story.