Algospeak

Algospeak is the use of coded expressions to evade automated moderation algorithms on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. It is used to discuss topics deemed sensitive to moderation algorithms while avoiding penalties such as shadow banning. A type of internet slang,^[1] Calhoun and Fawcett described it as a "linguistic self-censorship".^{[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][excessive citations]}

The term algospeak is a blend of Algorithm and -speak;^[10] it is also known as slang replacement or Voldemorting,^[8] referencing the fictional character known as "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named".^[11] Algospeak is different from other types of netspeak in that its primary purpose is to avoid moderation, rather than to create communal identity. However, algospeak may still be used in online communities.^[1]

In 2022, Forbes reported that almost a third of American social media users reported using "emojis or alternative phrases" to subvert content moderation.^[12]

Many social media platforms use automated content moderation systems to align content with the platform's guidelines, which are often not determined by the users themselves.^[2] TikTok in particular uses artificial intelligence (AI) for moderation purposes, in addition to reviewing user reports and employing human moderators. Such AIs are often called "algorithms" or "bots", despite them not following a strict algorithm. TikTok's unequal enforcement on topics such as LGBT and obesity has led a to a view of AI moderation being contradictory and "inconsistent".^[1] In addition, AI may miss important context; for example, communities who aid people who struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts may inadvertently get caught in the automated moderation.^[5][1] TikTok users have used algospeak to discuss and provide support to those who self-harm.^[13]

Algospeak uses techniques akin to those used in Aesopian language to conceal the intended meaning from automated content filters, while being understandable to human readers. One such method draws from leetspeak, where letters are replaced with lookalike characters (eg. $3X for sex).^[8]

Another method is where certain words may be censored, or in the case of auditory media, cut off or bleeped, e.g., s*icide instead of suicide. A third method involves "pseudo-substitution", where an item is censored in one form, while it is present in another form at the same time, as used in videos.^[14]

According to New York Times:^[4]

• le dollar bean – lesbian
• panini press, panoramic – pandemic
• accountant – sex worker
• (to) unalive, unalived – to kill; killed, dead
• cornucopia – homophobia
• leg booty – LGBTQ
• nip nops – nipples
• seggs – sex

Other examples:^[15]

• panorama, pandemonium, panini – COVID-19^[16]
• corn – porn
• camping – abortion
• sewer slide – suicide

• Glossary of the Greek military junta
• Glossary of Nazi Germany
• Inclusive language
• Language and thought
• LTI – Lingua Tertii Imperii ("The Language of the Third Reich")
• Linguistic imperialism
• Linguistic relativity
• Linguistic determinism
• Logocracy
• Philosophy of language
• Soviet phraseology
• Un-word of the year

Fiction:

• Ascian language
• Koalang
• Nadsat
• Newspeak