Misuse of AAVE: Examples and Impact

"What’s poppin’?" Is that a phrase you’ve heard or used lately? How about "finna" or "on fleek"? If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. The rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram has amplified the spread of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), making it a common form of expression in popular culture. But there’s a growing concern that AAVE, a linguistic form deeply rooted in African American history and culture, is being misused or appropriated, often without understanding its origins or significance. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what AAVE is, examples of its misuse, and the broader impact of these linguistic practices.

What Is AAVE?

AAVE, sometimes referred to as Black English or Ebonics, is a variety of English natively spoken by many African Americans. It has its own set of grammatical rules, pronunciations, and vocabulary, much like any other dialect. Linguists recognize it as a valid and complex form of speech that evolved through centuries of cultural and social development. AAVE's roots can be traced back to the days of slavery in the U.S., where African slaves combined their native languages with English, creating a unique linguistic form that continues to evolve today.

Examples of AAVE and Its Misuse

It’s not uncommon to hear AAVE being used in day-to-day conversations, but the way it's often incorporated into mainstream culture can raise eyebrows. Here are some common examples of AAVE and how they are frequently misused:

1. "Slay"

   • AAVE Meaning: To achieve something exceptionally well, often in reference to fashion or personal style.
   • Misuse: In modern pop culture, "slay" is often thrown around to mean anything remotely positive, diluting its original meaning in AAVE. People might say, "You slayed that presentation," in a work context, which removes it from its cultural significance in the Black community.

2. "Lit"

   • AAVE Meaning: Something exciting or fun, often referring to a party or social event.
   • Misuse: In recent years, this term has been stretched to mean virtually anything that’s vaguely interesting. You might hear someone saying, "That Netflix show was lit!" In this case, the person using the term may not recognize its origins in African American speech or its more specific meaning in the Black community.

3. "Finna"

   • AAVE Meaning: A contraction of "fixing to," meaning about to do something.
   • Misuse: This is one of the most frequently appropriated phrases, often used as a quirky or "cool" way of saying you’re about to do something. Non-Black speakers sometimes use it without understanding its linguistic roots or grammatical structure in AAVE.

4. "Periodt"

   • AAVE Meaning: A way to emphasize a point or add intensity to a statement.
   • Misuse: This term has been popularized on social media and is often used without understanding its function as a linguistic marker in AAVE. When non-Black people use it, it can come across as mocking or performative rather than respectful.

5. "Woke"

   • AAVE Meaning: To be socially aware, particularly about racial injustice and inequality.
   • Misuse: In mainstream culture, "woke" has become a catch-all term for any form of social justice or progressive ideology, sometimes even used mockingly by people who are dismissive of its original meaning.

Cultural Appropriation and Linguistic Misuse

The misuse of AAVE often falls under the broader issue of cultural appropriation. This occurs when elements of a marginalized culture are adopted by members of a more dominant culture, often without proper understanding or respect for their significance. When non-Black people use AAVE without acknowledging its origins, it can feel like they are benefiting from Black culture without facing the systemic oppression that Black people do.

Consider how frequently phrases like "Yas queen" or "On fleek" are used in advertising campaigns or by influencers who are not part of the Black community. These phrases are stripped of their cultural significance and turned into trendy soundbites, often to profit those who are not Black.

Impact of Misusing AAVE

There are several significant consequences of the widespread misuse of AAVE:

1. Dilution of Cultural Identity:
   When terms from AAVE enter mainstream usage, they often lose their original meaning and cultural context. This can lead to a dilution of Black cultural identity, as the words that once held deep meaning in African American communities are commodified and repackaged for mass consumption.

2. Erasure of Black Voices:
   When non-Black influencers or brands adopt AAVE, they often profit from its "cool" factor while sidelining the people who created and popularized these phrases. This leads to a kind of cultural erasure, where Black voices are silenced or overshadowed by more prominent, non-Black personalities.

3. Stereotyping:
   The misuse of AAVE can also contribute to harmful stereotypes. For example, when people use AAVE as a joke or in exaggerated ways, they may reinforce negative perceptions of African American culture, reducing it to a series of catchphrases and stereotypes.

Why Does Misuse Happen?

The question arises: why is AAVE so frequently misused? There are several factors at play:

• Social Media and Virality:
  Platforms like TikTok and Twitter reward content that is catchy and easily shareable. Phrases from AAVE, often pithy and impactful, are primed to go viral. As a result, many non-Black users pick up on these terms without understanding where they come from.

• Lack of Cultural Education:
  Many people grow up without exposure to the rich history and significance of AAVE. Schools often fail to teach students about the cultural contributions of African Americans beyond a surface level. As a result, when AAVE terms become popular, people may not recognize them as part of a larger cultural framework.

• Desire to Appear "Trendy":
  AAVE is often associated with being trendy or cool, and many people adopt it to align themselves with these qualities. This can be particularly true for brands and influencers who use AAVE to tap into a younger, more "in the know" demographic.

How Can We Respectfully Engage with AAVE?

If you're not a native speaker of AAVE but admire its linguistic richness, there are respectful ways to engage with the dialect:

1. Learn the History:
   Educate yourself on the origins of AAVE. Understanding the history of Black Americans and how this dialect developed will give you a deeper appreciation for its significance.

2. Acknowledge Its Origins:
   If you do use AAVE in conversation or online, make sure to credit the Black community. This can be as simple as acknowledging where the term came from or recognizing the contributions of Black culture.

3. Support Black Creators:
   Instead of mimicking AAVE, support the creators and influencers who naturally speak it. Follow Black influencers on social media, engage with their content, and amplify their voices.

4. Avoid Using AAVE as a Joke:
   AAVE should not be used as a punchline or to mock African American culture. If you're using AAVE because you think it's funny, it's time to reassess your motivations.

5. Understand When Not to Use It:
   Not every phrase or expression is meant for everyone. If you're unsure about using a term from AAVE, it might be better to err on the side of caution and avoid it. Respect for cultural boundaries is important.

Conclusion

The misuse of AAVE is more than just a linguistic faux pas—it’s a form of cultural appropriation that can harm the Black community by diluting its cultural contributions and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. To engage with AAVE in a respectful way, it’s crucial to educate yourself on its origins, support the Black creators who use it, and avoid turning it into a trend devoid of meaning. Language is a powerful tool for connection, but it’s also a reflection of history and culture. Let’s use it wisely.

By better understanding the complexities and significance of AAVE, we can help ensure that this important aspect of African American culture is respected, appreciated, and preserved for future generations.