Slang language is a form of communication that has been in use for centuries. It is usually used by a particular group of people and is not commonly understood by outsiders. In today’s world with the advent of the internet and social media, the use of slang has become widespread as people are constantly creating new words and phrases to describe their experiences. One of the terms that are commonly used in slang is ‘gen’. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of ‘gen’ and how it is used in the modern world.
What does gen mean?
‘Gen’ is an internet slang term that is commonly used to signal that a statement is genuine. It is a short form of the word ‘genuine’ and is often used in the context of online communication. When someone uses ‘gen’ in a sentence, it is their way of indicating that what they are saying is not a joke or a sarcastic remark, but a sincere statement.
For instance, suppose a friend has recently gone through a breakup and is feeling down. The friend may send a text message saying, “I am feeling really sad today, gen,” to indicate that their statement is genuine and that they are not joking about their feelings.
Origins of ‘Gen’
Like many other slang terms, the origins of ‘gen’ are unclear. It is thought to have emerged in the early 2000s among online chat and gaming communities. Since then, it has become more widespread and has been adopted by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Some sources suggest that ‘gen’ is derived from the Latin word ‘genius,’ which refers to a person’s innate talent or ability. Others speculate that it might have originated from the word ‘genuine,’ which means something that is real or authentic.
How is ‘gen’ used?
‘Gen’ is usually used as a suffix at the end of a sentence or a phrase. It can be used in both spoken and written communication to signal that a statement is genuine. It is typically used as an affirmation of sincerity or to express that something is not a joke.
For instance, suppose a friend has shared a video of a cute animal with you, and you found it to be adorable. You might respond by saying, “That’s so cute, gen,” to indicate that you genuinely found the video to be adorable.
Other uses of ‘gen’
Apart from the meaning discussed above, ‘gen’ has other uses in different contexts. For example, in some online communities, ‘gen’ is used to show appreciation for someone or something. In these cases, it is similar to saying “props” or “kudos.”
Additionally, ‘gen’ is also used as a tone indicator to denote that the previous sentence was said in a genuine tone of voice. For example, if someone says, “You look nice today, gen,” it indicates that the speaker genuinely thinks the person looks nice and is not being sarcastic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘gen’ is a slang term that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a shortened form of the word ‘genuine’ and is typically used to indicate that a statement is sincere. The origins of ‘gen’ are unclear, but it is thought to have emerged in the early 2000s among online chat and gaming communities. So, the next time you come across the word ‘gen’ in a conversation, know that it means that what follows is genuine, authentic, and not meant to be taken as a joke.