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Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

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The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

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As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Influence of Pop Culture on Modern English Vocabulary

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Prity Mallick

3 min read

Updated On January 02, 2025

"The Influence of Pop Culture on Modern English Vocabulary can impact on people’s communication through various mediums such as movies, music, and the internet. Get acquainted with these terms to enhance your knowledge on the terms used in Modern English."

Key Highlights

Role of Pop Culture in Shaping Modern English
How does Pop Culture influence?

Over a period of time, the influence of pop culture has become quite evident and has shaped the behaviors and language of individuals in a particular generation. Therefore, it plays a vital role in the evolution of modern English due to its influence on the way people communicate and express themselves fluently. Some people use words they learnt from watching movies and tv shows, slangs from the internet, and also follow trends in social media.

This blog will explore the various ways pop culture has inculcated new English words, expressions, and trends in the minds of individuals showcasing the dynamic society.

Role of Pop Culture in Shaping Modern English

The evolution of any language usually depends on the changes occurring in the society. Similarly, pop culture plays a crucial role in the transformation of Modern English. Since the popularity of movies, music, TV shows, and many online platforms are increasing, there is an introduction of new words, phrases, and idioms. Using these words reflect the values, concerns, and attitudes in a certain way to be relevant to the present scenario.

Due to the influence of digital and social media, there is a widespread language which reflects the shift in the society. Not only that but technology has also become a part of this influence where it depicts the advancements and defines cultural moments.

How does Pop Culture influence?

There are various ways through which pop culture can influence the modern English vocabulary. The following suggests some of the sources through which it influences :

1. TV shows and movies

Many popular films and TV shows have iconic lines or scenes where the audience resonates and it becomes a part of mainstream society. With the introduction of OTT platforms, many new words have been introduced such as “Googling” and “Binge watch”. At times, there is no significance in terms of the linguistic perspective but it shows an insight of the social changes.

The table below depicts a few of these Modern English Vocabulary which has been inspired by the TV shows and Movies.

TV Shows / Movies	Iconic Lines	Meaning
Friends	We are on a break	Temporary separation in a relationship
Star Wars	May the Force be with you	A wish for good luck
Game of Thrones	Winter is coming	Danger or difficult times ahead
The Lion King	Hakuna Matata	A carefree attitude
Frozen	Let it go	Letting go of the past

2. Internet and Social Media Language

A lot of people have become accustomed to using new terms due to the rise of the internet as well as social media. Due to the acceptance of such words by a large number of people, it is no longer considered as informal or non-standard. On social media, one has the tendency to reply as quickly as possible and due to this, there are many abbreviations which have been introduced.

Additionally, content creators and influencers have also contributed to the shaping of the vocabulary with these terms. There are communities who have terms to be used which aren't considered as informal anymore. Therefore, such language is used in various contexts and understood by many in both casual and formal settings.

The table below shows the list of digital terms which are influenced by Pop culture and shapes the Modern English Vocabulary.

Term	Meaning
OMG	Oh My God It is an expression of surprise or shock where you do not believe that something has happened.
FOMO	Fear Of Missing Out The fear that one has related to not being a part of something fun
Flex	To show off
Meme	A viral image, video, or text which is humorous and it spreads through the internet
Squad	A group of people with shared interest

3. Lyrics in Music

In recent years, music has always been influencing people in terms of using vocabulary and lexicon. There are many iconic words in pop, rock, and country music which have become a part of the vocabulary list in Modern English. These expressions can be heard in daily conversations where such words are not just limited to the song or music.

Below is the table showcasing the list of vocabulary words which are influenced by the music industry.

Music	Terms	Meaning
Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles	Hit the Road	Departing or going on a journey of ending something
In the Spotlight – Madonna	In the Spotlight	Seeking public focus or attention
Rolling in the Deep – Adele	Rolling in the Deep	An emotional experience which has deeply affected a person
Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones	Start Me Up	To be motivated to start a work
Chasing the Sun – The Wanted	Chasing the Sun	To find happiness

As society continues to bring change due to its influence on Modern English, the words and phrases used to communicate have become different. Therefore, the influence of pop culture on vocabulary has become profound and will be explored in the near future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can pop culture terms be used in formal settings?

Even though the terms would sound informal in the beginning, some of them have been accepted widely even in formal settings. However, it is crucial to understand that you have to be mindful while using these terms depending on the context and the audience.

If I am active on social media, will I be able to learn more Modern English Vocabulary?

Of course, you can! Such a platform would be helpful in spreading new terms because it provides a space for people to create, share, and popularise these new terms. Words used in these platforms will help you get familiar with the new terms being introduced and used. It is recommended to follow these but try to limit using these platforms as well.

Why do people enjoy using pop culture references as a language they use on a daily basis?

Using a new term from pop culture helps people feel connected with one another which has similar cultural aspects. It not only makes people feel a part of the trend but also makes conversations more engaging. People like to incorporate these words in a creative way to express themselves.

Will the influence of pop culture continue to shape modern English?

Yes, it will! Since there will be new advancements and trends in the future, pop culture will continue to shape and influence the Modern English Vocabulary. As pop culture is dynamic in nature, the language will adapt to those values which will reflect in the attitudes of the future generations.