Reality television has emerged as a platform for introducing new vocabulary into the English language, providing a window into the lives of various cast members that have left an indelible mark on our language. From the raucous parties of Jersey Shore to the fierce competition of RuPaul’s Drag Race, reality TV has contributed to the evolution of language.
The term “smush” or “smoosh” coined by Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi from Jersey Shore gained widespread popularity, referring to having sex. Its catchy onomatopoeia and the show’s focus on nightlife and romantic escapades made it easy to understand why the term gained traction. Similarly, “sashay away” from RuPaul’s Drag Race, which originated from the elimination portion of the show, has become a cultural phenomenon, used to lovingly tell friends to leave. The show’s focus on fashion, self-expression, and the LGBTQ+ community contributed to the emergence of this term.
Kris Jenner from Keeping Up with the Kardashians coined the term “momager,” referring to a mother who manages her children’s career. The term gained popularity, being used on various shows including Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Dance Moms. Jenner’s successful trademarking of the term solidified its place in the lexicon. The term “bible” from Keeping Up with the Kardashians, referring to seeking out the truth and giving credence to a story, has become versatile, and used to reinforce sentiments and challenge the validity of someone’s story.
Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model (Via Tyra Banks/Twitter)
Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model popularized the term “smize,” referring to the art of smiling with your eyes, deemed essential for models wanting to break out of commercials into high-fashion editorial photo shoots. MTV’s Catfish coined the term “catfish,” referring to online impostors, which has become a generic term for people who deceive others online.
In essence, reality TV has played a significant role in introducing new vocabulary into our language. By presenting a window into the lives of various cast members, reality TV shows have left an indelible mark on our language. As we immerse ourselves in reality TV, we witness the birth of new words that infiltrate our daily conversations. Through their cultural impact, reality TV shows continue Shakespeare’s legacy of shaping language for the masses.
