A list of gen-alpha slang terms used in Netflix show ‘Adolescence’, and what they mean

Though several terms may appear to be general words, they carry hidden connotations that only today’s youngsters might fully grasp

Hyderabad: The recently released Netflix short series ‘Adolescence’ has taken the internet by storm, not only for its intriguing storyline but also for the internet terms and slang included in its writing, leaving many viewers scratching their heads as they try to understand certain terms or emojis used in the digital world.

Though several terms may appear to be general words, they carry hidden connotations that only today’s youngsters might fully grasp.

Therefore, let’s break down the cryptic language used online so we don’t get left behind.

Manosphere

True to its literal meaning, the Manosphere is an online network focused on men’s empowerment. This subgroup on the internet claims to protect masculinity and blames feminism for men’s struggles in relationships, careers, and society. Though these communities face backlash for promoting misogyny, hyper-masculinity, and anti-feminist views, several users extensively share these ideas on social media, especially influencing young men.

Incel (Involuntarily Celibate)

Incels are an internet community that blames women and societal standards for their lack of success in romantic or sexual relationships. This group of men believes that women reject them based on their looks, status, or popularity. These incels adopt a victim mentality and believe they will never find a partner, no matter how hard they try. The kidney bean emoji is used as a symbol for incels.

Red Pill

Inspired by The Matrix, where taking the ‘red pill’ meant waking up to a harsh reality, this online community uses the term ‘Red Pill’ or the corresponding emoji to reject feminism and claim that men are the real victims of gender inequality. This group argues that society is biased against men and that women manipulate them for personal gain.

‘100’ Emoji

In the manosphere internet network, the emoji is often used to emphasize the “hard truth” about dating and masculinity. Similar to the concept of the ‘Red Pill,’ the emoji is used to express agreement with ideas such as male dominance, traditional gender roles, and the belief that women prefer high-status men.

The 80/20 Rule

Also known as the Pareto Principle, the 80/20 concept explains dating dynamics. Borrowed from economics, the principle suggests that the top 20% of men (wealthy, attractive, athletic, charming, and confident) attract 80% of women, whereas the remaining 80% of men (so-called average men) are left competing for the remaining 20% of women. The concept highlights the perceived imbalance in modern dating.

Who is Andrew Tate, as mentioned in the Adolescence web series?

Andrew Tate, an American-British social media personality, gained popularity for promoting the manosphere community and for his controversial remarks about women. Tate amassed a massive following on social media due to his hyper-masculine views.

While many internet users call him the ‘King of Toxic Masculinity,’ the social media star enjoys huge popularity, particularly among young men.