It's giving 'uneducated': Teacher bans slang from class and good for them

There's a time and place for all words, but this teacher was right in banning these ones.

In a bold move, an anonymous teacher has ignited a heated debate by distributing a list of 32 words deemed off-limits for students within the classroom.

The contentious note warns that using the listed phrases will prompt students to write an explanatory essay, delving into their choice to incorporate these words in an academic setting.

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Unpacking the forbidden list

The comprehensive list (containing a majority of words I have never heard of- a sign of my age, perhaps?), recently circulated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), targets slang phrases predominantly utilised by younger generations. 

Prohibited expressions include "you ate that up", denoting successful completion, "that's cap", exposing falsehood, and "it's giving", conveying a particular vibe. 

Some of the more enigmatic entries on the list include "ooh-wee, skee-yee," "in the cut with my twin," and "gyat."

As a 32-year-old millennial, looking at the list, I think I know 4 out of the 32 phrases mentioned. 

Growing up, I remember we had our own collection of obscure phrases and sayings that we’d poke fun at older generations for not understanding; however, I would have never dreamed of using them in an academic or professional setting.

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How many of these words do you recognise? Picture: @hearts4zaniyahh/X

The teacher's note

"These words/sayings are prohibited in my classroom!"the memo started.

"If you are caught using these words, you will write a short essay explaining why you chose to use these words in an academic setting to express yourselves.

"There are many ways to articulate what you need to say without using slang. Please know that using slang in an academic setting can diminish your capablity to become a successful writer. More often than not, the way you speak is the way you will write.

"The gibberish some of you choose to use is improper English and sometimes inappropriate for an academic setting. This is an educational institution, and you will carry yourself as scholars in my classroom!

1. Bruh
2. Standing on business (SOB)
3. Ooh-wee, Skee-Yee
4. Skee-Yee
5. You ate that up!
6. That's Cap
7. What's up gang?
8. Betl
9. Oh my God Ms. TI
10. On God
11. On my momma!
12. On my Dead (mom, dad, aunt, cousin, any family/friend/associate)
13. Rizz
14. What's up G Wade?
15. In the cut with my twin
16. Just vibe
17. Gyat
18. On bro
19. On hood
20. Gang Gang
21. N-gga!
22. On me!
23. On the set
24. Freak you mean
25. Period!
26. Mun-yun
27. Big dawg
28. Motion and/or Big Motion
29. Just vibe twin
30. What's up twin?
31. Nie
32. It's giving

Slang in an academic setting

Explaining the rationale behind the stringent rules, the anonymous teacher argues that employing slang in an academic setting may hinder a student's potential as a proficient writer. 

I can’t disagree with that.

In a statement, the teacher asserts, "Please know using slang in an academic setting can diminish your capability to become a successful writer. More often than not, the way you speak is the way you write." 

The teacher emphasises that certain expressions are improper English and may be inappropriate for an academic environment.

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"Dominique, you 'ate up' your university degree"

Slang or an evolution of language?

Acknowledging the evolving nature of language, the teacher emphasises that the list of prohibited words is subject to modification throughout the academic year. 

Encouraging students to carry themselves as "scholars" in the classroom, the educator aims to foster an environment conducive to effective communication and academic excellence.

The internet weighs in... of course

The photo of the banned words has gone viral, amassing over 33.7 million views and provoking more than 4,000 comments. 

Social media users express divided opinions, with some accusing the teacher of a "power trip" and others commending the effort to instil professionalism in language use.

Critics argue that the teacher's approach neglects the value of students' language and prioritises compliance over understanding their identities. 

One user condemns the list, "I get where they're trying to go with that, but I don't agree with cutting out slang."

Another added, "Language is always evolving, and there's more than one way to speak English."

Conversely, defenders assert the importance of being adept at formal and informal language, emphasising the need to discern when each is appropriate.

"Just ask yourself this, how would feel if you were in court, with your life in the hands of a judge and jury and your lawyer used all of these words and phrases?" questioned one.

"That teacher is trying to help that class. Communication skills are important in life," said another.

Language is such an incredible tool to employ, and the inclusion or omission of a single word can impact so much.

I’m with the teacher on this. 

This list is giving* uneducated and out of place in an academic or professional.

Originally published as It's giving 'uneducated': Teacher bans slang from class and good for them