Algospeak by Adam Aleksic

In Algospeak, Adam Aleksic—also known as @etymologynerd on TikTok—dives deep into how social media is reshaping the way we use language, and it’s just as fascinating (and fun) as it sounds. Aleksic brings his signature blend of linguistic insight and digital savvy to a topic that’s increasingly relevant in our algorithm-driven world: the rise of a new, coded way of speaking online to avoid censorship, demonetization, or misinterpretation by AI systems. Right from the start, the book is refreshingly accessible. Aleksic writes with a casual tone that makes complex ideas feel digestible without dumbing anything down. Whether he's unpacking why people say “unalive” instead of “dead” or exploring how hashtags and emojis have become part of our grammar, he keeps the tone witty and curious. What sets Algospeak apart is that it’s not just about the funny or cringey ways we bend language online—it’s about how those changes reflect deeper shifts in society, identity, and power. Aleksic makes a strong case that language is evolving more rapidly now than ever, not just because of slang or trends, but because people are adapting in real-time to invisible algorithmic rules that decide what gets seen, suppressed, or monetized. He also explores how this shift impacts different communities—how marginalized groups use coded language for safety, how misinformation adapts to algorithmic loopholes, and how young people are effectively becoming bilingual, fluent in both English and “algospeak.” The book is filled with sharp observations, pop culture references, and enough linguistic trivia to keep language nerds happy. But it’s also relevant for anyone who spends time online and wants to better understand how the platforms we use are quietly shaping the way we talk, think, and express ourselves. Algospeak is a smart, engaging, and surprisingly important read. Highly recommended if you’re even a little curious about where language is heading next.