Why Children Are Referring to Each Other as ‘Chat’
Slang has always been a reflection of the times. In the past, it emerged from neighborhoods, music scenes, and subculture communities with their rhythms and needs for new ways of expression.
Today, though, slang is increasingly born not just through the internet, but because of it. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord aren’t just spreading language, they’re actively shaping it.
One of the latest terms to enter the everyday vocabulary of tweens and teens is a surprising one: “chat.”
What “Chat” Really Means
To adults, “chat” might sound like a verb or a reference to messaging apps. But in its new slang form, it’s something different: a casual, often ironic term of address. It functions much like “bruh” or “dude,” signaling the start of a statement or drawing in whoever’s listening.
Teens might say, “Chat, what is going on right now?” or “Chat, you won’t believe this,” even when talking to a single friend. The phrase started on livestream platforms like Twitch, where creators often refer to the scrolling feed of viewer comments simply as “chat.”
Over time, streamers began addressing their audience as if it were a single person, saying things like, “Chat, did you see that?” or “Chat, chill out.”
It didn’t take long for young viewers to adopt the same language, first as an imitation, then as a norm. What began as streamer-speak has become part of offline conversation.
Influencer Imitation or Digital Literacy?
On the surface, this new use of “chat” is harmless, just another funny phrase children use to sound like the internet. For many, it’s a tongue-in-cheek way to mimic the tone and cadence of influencers.
But the deeper takeaway is that it reflects how deeply online content culture has influenced how children think, talk, and even view themselves.
For some, it’s just a joke. For others, it’s part of a broader trend where children don’t just consume influencer content, they begin to perform as if they are influencers.
This includes narrating their lives like a vlog, filming “get ready with me” videos, or jokingly addressing an imaginary audience as they go through their day. Even when they’re not posting, they’re often acting like they could be.
The term “chat” slots neatly into this behavior. It reflects a mindset where everyday life is treated as if it’s on display, with the speaker as the lead and their peers, or imagined audience, watching.
The Blurring Line Between Real Life and Performance
Whether the use of “chat” signals irony, admiration, or aspiration depends on the child. But it’s part of a larger shift.
Terms like “main character syndrome” and “aura farming” have also gained traction, both of which speak to how children are thinking about self-image and visibility. Social life, for many, now runs parallel to an imagined feed.
It’s no coincidence that being an influencer has become one of the most desired careers among young people. Surveys show that a majority of children aspire to some form of internet fame, with “social media star” ranking among the top job choices. The casual use of terms like “chat” is just one symptom of this deeper cultural shift.
In the end, it’s not about whether the slang itself is good or bad. It’s about what it reveals: that today’s children are growing up in a world where content isn’t just consumed, it’s lived. And sometimes, even when no one’s watching, they act like someone is.
