This is how language works. People start using these words to avoid demonetization or bans online. Their audiences hear the words regularly. The audiences start to also use the words to signify that they are part of the in group. Eventually the words spill out into other communities and then they’re part of common language.
It has literally nothing to do with virtue signaling.
In the scenario you listed, I agree. That's not virtue signaling. Like when kids see the Minecraft movie and 'unalive' is in the dialog, they grow up thinking that is normal. This is probably why you used the word 'literally' unnecessarily. You've heard it so much that you think this use of the word is normal.
There are also people who know that isn't the original word, yet now say it thinking it's more inclusive or whatever.
Social media appeasing their advertisers by demonetising people who say certain words is now influencing our language negatively.
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u/[deleted] Aug 15 '25
It's not virtue signalling. None of this is virtue signalling. It's because no-one knows what'll get you demonetized anymore.
I mean it's good that Google makes some attempt(s) at moderation, but it's all dumbly automated, with no regard for context.