While many people enjoy scrolling TikTok to discover new and popular dances, songs, recipes, life tips, and other things, the social media app has also evolved into a resource for keeping up with the most recent slang phrases.
On TikTok, ASL stands for “American Sign Language.” Even though some have integrated slang into their regular vocabulary, others are unfamiliar with the words.
With every new social media platform, slang has only evolved. On top of that, with the rise of TikTok, a number of slang terms have emerged, such as “BSF” and “FYP.” The newest word that has been going around is “ASL.” But what does it mean, and in what context is it used? Let’s find out:
What Does “ASL” Mean on TikTok?
As with every social media site, TikTok’s numerous trends, allusions, and inside jokes have given rise to an entirely new vocabulary, with entire comment sections occasionally being overrun with the exact obscure phrase.
The short form ASL has been around for a long time now. But, GenZ has a new take on this slang. They have been abbreviating it differently. Their version of “ASL” means “American Sign Language.”
The abbreviation “ASL” was first used as a short, text-based acronym to ask people for their personal information, including Age, Sex, and Location. Later uses of the term started to signify “American Sign Language” instead of its original meaning as the internet evolved.
‘American Sign Language is a sign language used by deaf communities to communicate. It has the same linguistic properties as English, but it is expressed by movements of the hand and mouth. It is mainly used in the USA and some parts of Canada.
Example: In one TikTok video, a user used ASL to order a cup of coffee. The barista knew the language, so it was easy for them to communicate even though they didn’t speak English.
Some people fluent in American Sign Language use TikTok and various social media platforms to teach ASL to others. They raise awareness and educate people about deaf communities.
ASL Full Form: What is it?
The acronym ASL is frequently used to refer to “American Sign Language” in the USA or Canada. The phrase was once used as a shorthand for “age, sex, location” on the internet, but that usage is less common now.
Even for those who have been using TikTok for some time, this might be confusing, and you might find yourself wondering what everyone is referring to. “ASL” is one such term that has been used extensively on TikTok, but the abbreviation has various connotations.
You must have seen the acronym “ASL,” which stands for “American Sign Language,” used on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. It has all the essential components of language, including its rules for word construction, word order, and pronunciation.
Languages differ in how they signal different functions, such as asking a question rather than making a statement. For instance, English speakers might ask a question by changing their voice’s word order and pitch, while ASL users might raise their eyebrows, open their eyes, and lean forward.
Sign language is different in every part of the world. People who know ASL may need help understanding BSL (British Sign Language) or FSL (French Sign Language).
Now, you might question how to use the term ‘ASL’ in a sentence. The usage of the shortened version is the same as the whole term. You can use it the same way you would say ‘American Sign Language’ in a sentence. Using acronyms saves time, and everyone uses slang to look cool.
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In Which situation do people say “ASL” on social media?
People who can’t hear use ASL (American Sign Language) to communicate with others.
The capital letters ASL mean Age, Sex, and Location. It is used to ask someone for their details.
People use the phrase ‘ASL’ which sometimes means “as hell,” to emphasize a statement they have already said. The word “ASL” can be translated as “very much” in its literal sense.
What other slang has TikTok generated?
It will not be an exaggeration to say that TikTok is responsible for over half of acronyms and pop terms. We know it is impossible to know every term, so we have curated a list of words that every TikTok fan should know. Here are some most viral slangs that TikTok created and almost everyone uses:
- FYP: For You Page
- ASL: American Sign Language
- POV: Point of View
- Heather: Someone perfect or desirable
- Simp: Most in love
- BSF: Best Friend
- Glow up: Improvement in mental or physical health
- TWF: That Feeling When
- Story Time: Asking for the longer video to explain the whole situation
- Results: When people want to see the outcome of a process
- FR: For Real
Example of “ASL” Meaning on TikTok
@chrissymarshall_ 😘#deaf #asl #signlangauge #signoftheday #hardofhearing #accessibility ♬ Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) – Doja Cat
@scarlet_may.1 do you know ASL or know how to spell ASL? 😂 i love you guys for learning anyways ☺️ #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Scarlet May 🦋
@deafinitlygary Be careful when you use American Sign Language 🤣🤣 #asl #signlanguage #americansignlanguage #becareful ♬ Light jazz(925343) – Asteroid Creative
FAQs
The new term that has been going viral on TikTok is ‘ASL.’ On TikTok, the initials’ ASL’ means “American Sign Language.” It is a language used by deaf people or people short of hearing to communicate.
The slang ASL stands for Age, Sex, and Location. It is a request for personal information. When two people are chatting, and one needs to know the other’s age, gender, and location, they will use the slang term ASL.
The initials’ ASL’ means the same on Instagram as on TikTok. However, it can also mean “as hell” or “Age, Sex, and Location” sometimes. So, it’s better to clear the context before assuming the meaning.
ASL is an internet slang used in online chat rooms and messages. It is a question used to ask a person’s age, sexual orientation, and general location.