Based on this two minutes and four seconds YouTube video, the woman, Fatima Payman speech took place on Wednesday afternoon, September 11, 2024, in the Senate where in the speech she was using many terms that Generation Z and Alpha often use daily. Her aimed was to appeal to them with a ‘skibidi speech' for them to use proper words when commenting to a higher-up or status. 

Fatima Payman Background

According to Explainers, F. (July 2), Fatima Payman was born in Kabul in 1995. She is currently at the age of 27 years old. She is an Australian Muslim, and she came to Australia at the age of five as a refugee with her family when she was a child. Additionally, according to Sarah Martin (July 3), Fatima Payman firmly said that she wants to normalize wearing the hijab so that society doesn’t discriminate and neglect them or prevent them from involving in such an important institution (politics). Moreover, according to Kali Goldstone (July 2), Fatima Payman made history as the first woman to wear a hijab in Australia’s parliament. She showed interest in politics at a young age influenced by her grandfather who was an MP in Afghanistan before. She then stated that her journey in becoming a political sphere began by doing voluntarism for the Labor party and started at his office Pierre Yang as an electorate officer.

Gen-Z Background

According to an article written by Mckinsey & Company. (August, 2024), I-Generation or likely known as Generation Z who born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s are characterized by its digital nativity. This is because they have grown up with the internet and social media as integral parts of life. This generation are shaped by significant global events like climate change activism and social justice movements, values inclusivity, authenticity, and transparency. They are known for being pragmatic and socially conscious. Nevertheless, Gen-Z will always prioritize mental health and personal well-being. Apart from that, their unique cultural landscape has transformed communication styles that leads them to the emergence of distinctive slang that reflects their experiences and values as a means to connect with peers and navigate their complex social environments. This background underscores the significance of understanding Gen-Z slang and its role in the evolving landscape of language.

Now, in this video contains a myriad of words and usage of coinage that often uses among Gen-Z and Alpha these days.

Examples of the words are:

· Yappaholics

· Skibidi

· Sigma

· Capping

To be specific, the word ‘yap’ is a coinage word that shows an expression of a person who likes to talk a lot, but some people find it disturbing or annoying. Furthermore, she also uses ‘sigma’ which is a way of telling someone that they’re really cool. Lastly, ‘cap’. It is a known word that frequently uses on social media to emphasizes someone when they’re not being truthful or telling lies.

According to Yule (2010), coinage is a process where new words are totally invented. Additionally, according to Mattiello (2008), new word or new slang are born from the process of experience and sound repetition. One of the types that Gen-Z often uses is ‘rhyming compounds’. It usually comes from two different bases that have related rhyme. When these two bases combine together, it produces new words or slang terms. The relationship between coinage and Gen-Z slang is significant and multifaceted. According to Lihawa, K. (2023c) the use of coinage allows this generation to create new words and phrases that reflect their unique experiences and cultural context. There are many coined terms emerge from specific cultural references, memes, or trends that makes them instantly relatable to their peers. Gen-Z demonstrates a fluid approach to language which to frequently adapting and reshaping existing words which mirrors their fast-paced digital environment. Coined slang often serves as a marker of identity and belonging, helping individuals express their values and connect with others who share similar experiences. Additionally, through coinage, Gen-Z critiques social norms and highlights issues like mental health and climate change using language as a tool for advocacy. The digital landscape further facilitates rapid coinage, as platforms like TikTok and Twitter enable quick dissemination and adoption of new terms, underscoring the dynamic interplay between coinage and Gen-Z slang.