Gen-Z Slang Takes Center Stage in Indian Parliament Sessions

This week, the Indian Parliament witnessed an unexpected infusion of Gen-Z slang during its Monsoon Session, as members from both the ruling BJP and the Opposition employed contemporary phrases like 'FOMO,' 'MIA,' 'Clock It,' 'Delulu,' and even 'Kuchu Puchu' to articulate their political stances. This linguistic crossover, which has its roots in social media and internet culture, has brought a fresh and relatable tone to the traditionally formal environment of parliamentary debates. The use of these terms not only reflects a shift in communication styles but also highlights the growing influence of younger generations on political discourse.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh was among those who utilized this modern vernacular, suggesting that the Leader of the Opposition had gone 'MIA' or 'Missing in Action,' while also referencing 'FOMO' or 'Fear of Missing Out' to explain the political maneuvers of his counterpart. Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj encouraged the Opposition to 'clock it' as she defended government policies, and Tejasvi Surya, another BJP representative, dismissed the Opposition's arguments as 'delulu,' a term that has gained traction among younger audiences to denote someone who is out of touch with reality. On the other side of the aisle, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda contributed to the light-hearted atmosphere by incorporating expressions like 'Kuchu Puchu' and 'Vasteguna Huiya' during discussions on the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, both of which have seen a rise in popularity amid recent student protests.