Extract
[...] The term gained popularity especially in hip-hop culture, where rappers would typically boast about their wealth, success, and lifestyle. This shift in meaning from the past to the present reflects a desire for recognition and validation in a competitive social environment, particularly among the young. 'Flexing' has become a social currency, a means of acquiring status and respect within certain groups. When it comes to the word 'Crush', it represents a strong feeling of romantic attraction or admiration towards someone. It's often a fleeting emotion of passion, especially among the young. [...]
[...] So, young Francophones find new ways to express themselves and speak by borrowing words from English, as terms like 'crush' and 'flex' allow them to express specific feelings and behaviors that would have been harder to express in traditional French. On the other hand, this linguistic borrowing has created a debate. Some see it as affecting the purity of the French language. However, others see it as a natural evolution, reflecting the changing times and the influence of global culture. 1.2 Urban culture and linguistic creativity: Given that cities are places of encounter between peoples and when different cultures mix, certain phenomena occur, such as the birth of new words. [...]
[...] Its unique cultural mark is present in all aspects of life, particularly in language. This generation has created a unique lexicon of words and has been impacted by globalization. This generation has been able to adapt new words such as Flex, saper, and Crush represents a sense of linguistic borrowing. On the other hand, these words, born in the digital age and known through social networks, have indeed exceeded the generational and cultural boundaries, and have become numerous in everyday language. [...]
[...] Some see them as modern tools for connection and expression among young people, while others see them as unwanted intruders in a language that values perfection and tradition. However, the language is still alive. It changes because people and generations change. In other words, Generation Z does not destroy the French language but rather appropriates it, adapts it to reflect a faster, more diversified, and expressive world. In conclusion, our study reminds us that language is not just a matter of rules and grammar, it also concerns people. [...]
[...] Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on what these results mean for the evolution of the French language and how young people shape their identity in the digital age." Linguistic Borrowings and Innovation in Contemporary French 1.1 The Role of Anglophone Influence English, as the dominant language in the world, has a significant impact on the linguistic habits of the entire world. This impact is particularly observed in young generations, who are exposed to Anglophone media and culture from a very young age. Social networks, streaming services, and popular music facilitate the spread of English vocabulary, particularly terms like 'crush' and 'flex'. Regarding the word 'Flex', it is a shorter form of 'flexibility'. [...]
