“Bro”, “Bestie”, and “Slay”: Slang and Digital Identity Among Generation Z WhatsApp Communication

Abstract

The increasing use of social media platforms has significantly influenced the communication patterns of Generation Z, particularly through the widespread use of slang in digital interactions. As digital natives, Generation Z users frequently employ slang expressions on platforms such as WhatsApp to construct identity, express humour, establish intimacy, and maintain social belonging within online communities. This study explores the usage of slang among Generation Z users on WhatsApp by examining the types of slang and morphological processes present in their digital communication. Using a qualitative research design, semi structured interviews were conducted with five Generation Z participants aged between 23 and 25 years old who actively use WhatsApp in their daily interactions. The findings revealed that participants frequently utilised fresh and creative slang expressions such as slay, bro, and bestie to create casual, relatable, and socially connected interactions. The study also identified several morphological processes involved in slang formation, with suffixation emerging as the most dominant process through expressions such as cooked, ghosted, and clapped. In addition, the findings demonstrated that slang acquisition was strongly influenced by peer interaction, social media exposure, and online culture. The use of localised slang and dialect expressions further reflected the multilingual and multicultural nature of Malaysian digital communication. Overall, the study highlights how WhatsApp functions not merely as a communication platform but also as a digital social space where linguistic creativity, identity construction, and contemporary youth culture are continuously negotiated and expressed among Generation Z users.