LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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Volume 26:5 May 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

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Food, Feelings and Filters: The Cultural Evolution of English through Social Media

Elakiya H. and
Dr. Sreejana S.

Abstract

Over the past decade, social media has become a major influence on how people interact, express ideas, and use language in everyday life. This study examines the impact of social media on English communication, focusing on the emergence of food-related metaphors, new word formation, the use of hashtags, and meme-based communication. It also considers how these changes reflect broader cultural trends.

The paper analyses how digital platforms encourage the creation and spread of new vocabulary, including slang, abbreviations, and hybrid expressions, many of which draw from food-related imagery such as “spilling the tea”, “salty”, and “that’s my cup of tea.” It further investigates how hashtags function not only as tools for categorizing content but also as a means of expressing opinions and emotions in a concise and impactful way. The paper analyses how digital platforms encourage the creation and spread of new vocabulary, including slang, abbreviations, and hybrid expressions, many of which draw from food-related imagery such as “spilling the tea”, “salty”, and “that’s my cup of tea.” It further investigates how hashtags function not only as tools for categorizing content but also as a means of expressing opinions and emotions in a concise and impactful way.

In addition, the study discusses how meme culture depends on shared cultural understanding and frequently employs figurative language such as irony, exaggeration, and metaphor. Another key focus is the distinction between digital English and academic English. While digital communication tends to be informal, dynamic, and creative, academic writing follows structured and formal conventions. This contrast is particularly significant for students who navigate between both styles. Ultimately, this paper suggests that social media does not simply reflect changes in language but actively contributes to the evolution of modern English through culturally influenced and metaphor-rich forms of expression.

Keywords:Social media, Food-Based Metaphors, Digital Expressions, Hashtags, Meme culture, Language Evolution

Introduction

Language continuously changes over time, particularly with the rise of digital technology. In the past decade, social media has become one of the most influential forces shaping communication worldwide. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have created dynamic spaces where people interact daily, share ideas, and express themselves in ways that are often quick, informal, and highly creative. As a result, English communication has undergone significant changes, with new words and expressions continuously emerging through online interactions. One clear example of this shift is the rise of food-based metaphors such as “serving”, “cooked”, and “that’s my cup of tea”, which convey emotions and opinions in a relatable and engaging manner. Alongside these, hashtags and memes have introduced new ways of expressing meaning that go beyond traditional sentence structures, making language more dynamic and context based.

This paper explores on understanding how social media contributes to changes in English communication and reflects broader cultural transformations. It examines vocabulary expansion, the role of hashtags, the influence of meme culture, and the use of food-based metaphors in digital discourse. It also highlights the contrast between digital English, which is informal, flexible, and creative, and academic English, which remains structured and formal. Through this analysis, the research aims to provide a clearer understanding of how language is evolving in the digital age and what this means for communication in both academic and social contexts.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Elakiya H.
I Year Aeronautical Engineering Student,
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
elakiya.25ae@kct.ac.in
&
Dr. Sreejana S.
Assistant Professor and Head
Department of Languages and Communication
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
sreejana.s.sci@kct.ac.in


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