The slang term “rawdogging” has evolved from its sexually explicit origins to be used in various contexts today, such as describing activities done without any buffer or assistance. This shift in language usage has been noticed in social media, the workplace, and even everyday conversations.
One popular example of this evolution is the trend of “rawdogging” flights, where individuals choose to forgo in-flight entertainment and instead focus on staring at the in-flight map for the duration of the flight. This unusual practice has gained attention on platforms like TikTok, with videos showcasing people enduring long flights without any form of entertainment. Even celebrities like actor Ryan Phillippe have joined in, using the term to describe their experiences of attending events without any distractions or substances.
Linguist Adam Aleksic notes that Gen Z had already started using the term “rawdogging” in different contexts before it became popular on TikTok. The shift in language usage reflects how slang terms can evolve and adapt to new meanings over time.
Overall, the widespread adoption of the term “rawdogging” in mainstream language demonstrates how language is constantly changing and adapting to new contexts and generations. It serves as a reminder of the fluidity of language and the power of social media in shaping linguistic trends.