THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PHRASES: GEN Z LANGUAGE PRACTICES AS COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

This study examines Gen Z's creative use of language as a narrative technique to express socially unacceptable thoughts and emotions. Through an analysis of Gen Z's social media phraseology, this study explains how this generation employs humorous yet socially acceptable jargon to relieve mental burden and cope with stress and uncertainty. Sigmund Freud’s Relief theory of humor is employed to critically examine certain phraseology of Gen Z with key themes of stress, mental well-being, and uncertainty. Research results highlight that the digital generation’s humorous expressions are not just fleeting internet trends but psychologically rich and socially rooted linguistic practices. In light of the analysis, humour is a key tool through which the digital generation discharges emotional tension. While a vast body of contemporary research addresses digital discourse, the creative use of language, and the conduct of the digital generation independently, the specific perspective of creative Gen Z phraseology as a coping strategy remains under-examined. This study addresses this gap by analyzing Gen Z phraseology through the lens of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory.