The Use of Algospeak on TikTok to Avoid

Content Moderation

by
Julieta Ragno Thoss

Lengua Inglesa II

Date
04/07/2023
Introduction
This essay will provide an analysis of the lexicon used on TikTok to avoid the platform’s
algorithm, designed to ensure the compliance with its community guidelines. This collection of
words, known as Algospeak, is used by users to create content discussing topics such as politics,
sexuality, and mental health, which are regarded as “too dangerous or explicit” by TikTok’s
guidelines. The creation of Anglospeak includes a variety of techniques, including modifying words
and alternating their meanings and using emojis instead of words. Even though other covert
languages have been used before to communicate, none of them have developed and evolved in
similar conditions as Algospeak has. That is the reason behind its peculiarities and unique
characteristics.
The primary focus of this essay is to explore the concept of Algospeak, its origin on TikTok,
and the conscious use of it by content creators.
Although examples of Algospeak have spread across multiple social media platforms, this
essay will exclusively consider the code found on TikTok. The reason for this is that TikTok is
where Algospeak originated and where it has reached its summit in the last couple of years. By
comparison, the use of Algospeak on other platforms remains relatively scarce. The material
selected for analysis consists of five videos which show expressions that can be understood without
specific context or background information. These examples help to demonstrate how Algospeak is
used and constructed while successfully avoiding the platform’s algorithm.
The material selected will not include examples of expressions used within communities
involved in political environments nor in highly specific situations. Were this to be the case,
additional information that could deviate the essay from its original topic would be needed, and this
could produce confusion among the readers.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of Algospeak, this essay will begin by
introducing the theoretical background and underlying the methods of communication found on the
Internet. This will contribute to clarifying the concept of Algospeak and its importance on social
media platforms. Thereafter, the essay will analyse the expressions used in the videos (external
links can be found in the appendix section), thus using them to complement the theory discussed
previously. Finally, the essay will conclude by presenting final thoughts and sharing queries which
may be taken into account for future investigations.

Theoretical Background
In the book The Language Revolution, published in (2004), author David Crystal explains
how the standardisation of the Internet has influenced how people communicate, creating
“alternative languages” used within this context. Despite lacking an established name, Crystal refers
to this form of communication as Netspeak.
He draws a clear distinction between the language employed in real-life and the one
employed in online communication describing how the limitations imposed by technology
condition the nature of communication. For instance, while there are established rules for
composing a letter, no such rules exist for effective communication in online contexts. Similarly,
certain features found in online communication, such as the arbitrary use of punctuation or the
inclusion of emojis and hyperlinks, can not be taken to real-life interactions.
 Additionally, the author explains the three extents people make use of to communicate
through the Internet, these being the World Wide Web, the electronic mail (or e-mail), and chat
groups. Much like online communication, each of these three has implicit rules that regulate
communication and determine people’s behaviour. Chat groups are often associated with online
video games and chatrooms, where focused discussions about specific topics occur, and participants
that share common interests take part in them.
However, as the book was published in 2004, Crystal did not include social media platforms,
as they were a relatively recent phenomenon. These platforms have since revolutionised online
communication and introduced new vocabulary. TikTok is a platform that enables users to create
and share videos about any topic they desire. These videos must adhere to the community
guidelines, a set of rules implemented by the platform to ensure responsible behaviour and a safe
environment for its users. While certain apps, such as Instagram or Facebook, outsource the
development of their community guidelines, TikTok internally formulates its guidelines with the
assistance of a team of safety professionals.
To ensure the compliance with the community guidelines, TikTok employs an AI system
that uses algorithms to identify certain words and expressions that would violate said guidelines and
then takes down these videos. Zoe Thomas, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, explains that
“the community guidelines do not allow content that glorifies or promotes suicide, self-harm or
eating disorders, however they do allow content that is considered to be educational or to show
people in recovery situations” (Wall Street Journal, 2023, 2:59).
In recent years, users have resorted to using Algospeak to avoid content removal. As the
concept of Algospeak is relatively new, an official definition is yet to be created. For the purpose of
this essay, the following definition formulated by Taylor Lorenz, technology columnist of The
Washington Post, will be employed: “Algospeak refers to code words or turns of phrase users have
adopted in an effort to create a brand-safe lexicon that will avoid getting their posts removed or
down-ranked by content moderation systems” (The Washington Post, 2022)
This lexicon is used in the text accompanying videos, the hashtags employed for
categorisation, and the audio, among others. Understanding these terms may prove challenging for
individuals outside the TikTok community. In this regard, Algospeak shares certain characteristics
with chatrooms, where participants engage in ongoing discussions by constantly uploading videos
on specific subjects while using that vocabulary unique to the community. Similarly to what Crystal
states on the differences between real-life and online communication, there are no prescribed rules
on the use of Algospeak. Additionally, it stays within the TikTok domain, since there are no
restrictions or community guidelines to adhere to.
Analysis
Analysis of video n° 1:
● “When I d1e some day, at my funeral. Can someone please just walk up to the casket and
take the bouquet, and throw that b1tch into the audience. I wanna see who’s next”.

In this video, the user expresses a desire for a specific gesture to be carried out at their
funeral. They suggest that someone should approach the casket, retrieve the bouquet and toss it into
the audience to “see who is next,” making reference to the bouquet-tossing tradition that takes place
at weddings.
The speaker employs a modified spelling in the words die and bitch, where, instead of
writing the letter I, the number 1 is used to form the terms that constitute the lexicon described
earlier. The use of numbers instead of letters is a frequent technique employed to create Algospeak
terms, as it serves as one of the simplest and most effective means for people to grasp the intended
word or idea.
By using such unconventional spelling, the video was not detected by that algorithm
designed to identify content that violates the community guidelines. While the words chosen carry a
negative connotation or refer to sensitive topics, it is evident that they are used sarcastically. Even
though the words are used humorously and the context is clearly not one that promotes death or
swearing, it is worth noting that the user Liam Miller [@liammilerr] deliberately incorporated these
Algospeak terms.

Analysis of video n° 2:
● “My therapist after I told her I almost unalived myself over the weekend”.

The video from which this line comes from portrays an anecdote involving the speaker’s
interactions with their therapist. They state that they almost unalived themselves over the weekend.
The term unalive can denote various meanings depending on the context, the most common
ones being die or kill. It is created by adding the prefix un- to the word alive. In this particular
context, this term followed by myself would mean suicide. As this word does not officially exist, it
goes undetected by the algorithm.
The video serves as a retelling of an anecdote with a touch of sarcasm employing a
humorous background video and accompanying audio. Additionally, it shows no explicit content
related to this topic. Nevertheless, the user Jay & Co. [@the.did.kid] deliberately uses Algospeak in
the description of the video, which features the hashtag #unaliveawarness, and in its subtitles.
Analysis of video n° 3:
● “Me at 14, after realizing I aggressively looked up to the 2 senior le$bians on my high
school soccer team”.

In this video, the user livimpulsive [@livimpulsive] shares a personal experience from her
teenage years. She mentions having a profound admiration for two senior classmates on her high
school soccer team who identified as le$bians.
Here, this Algospeak term is employed as an alternative spelling of lesbian by replacing the
letter S with the sign $. The substitution of letters by using symbols (e.g. €, @, !, &) is another
common technique employed on the creation of Algospeak terms. Furthermore, the video’s
description includes the hashtag #ledollarbean for categorisation purposes, as symbols cannot be
included in hashtags and the user had to change the spelling of the Algospeak term.
Although this and other pieces of similar content do not violate TikTok’s community
guidelines, terms like these are frequently used in videos related to sexuality, gender identity, or the
LGBTQ+ community. The user might have decided to recur to Algospeak since TikTok is known
for deleting videos of this nature, and the term “lesbian” is highly related to the LGBTQ+
community.

Analysis of video n° 4:
● “Corn 🌽 is illegal in Russia & very low paid.”
The title above is derived from a video uploaded on the LustCast account [@getlustcast].
This account pertains to a podcast that engages in discussion about the porn industry, featuring
interviews with professional porn actresses who share their personal experiences and express their
opinion on various topics. The podcaster’s main intention is to foster dialogue about an industry that
has traditionally remained taboo but still needs to be talked about as any other modern industry. The
podcast and the videos uploaded on TikTok aim to educate the public rather than circulate explicit
content.
The term corn is used as a euphemism for discussing porn-related subjects on social media.
This term is a derivation of the word porn, but with the letter C instead of the letter P. An
alternative variation of this term involves using the corn emoji, as depicted in the title of the video.
This word was selected based solely on its rhyming resemblance to the original intended word.
It is understandable why the algorithm might identify content containing the word porn and
categorise it as “inappropriate,” regardless of the context and even if the particular video adheres to
TikTok’s community guidelines. However, this video does not contain any explicit content nor does
it promote it.
Moreover, the video is accompanied by hashtags such as #corn, #cornstar (meaning
pornstar), and #seggs. This last one means sex, except the letter X was replaced by two Gs. These
terms are commonly used by users from various backgrounds to avoid the deletion of videos, not
solely by users familiar with the subject.
Analysis of video n° 5:
● “Last Thing My Wife Said Before She Committed Suic1de…”
This quote is the headline of a video uploaded by user Mr Impulsive [@themrimpulsive]. He
dedicates his account to addressing mental health issues, raising awareness, and fostering
discussions about the topic.
In this video, the user shares the story of his wife’s suicide, intending to shed light on the
difficulties faced by people struggling with depression or other conditions when it comes to seeking
help. Despite the sensitive nature of the topic, the video serves an educational purpose and seeks to
provide reassurance to those going through similar experiences. Likewise, within this context,
Algospeak has been used to potentially evade detection from the algorithm in the event of scrutiny.

Conclusion
Algospeak refers to the vocabulary constructed by users in order to evade the removal of
their posts by TikTok’s content moderation system. This specially designed lexicon comprises
words and expressions that undergo modifications such as the use of symbols and numbers instead
of letters, the alternation of word meanings, and the incorporation of emojis.
Furthermore, it is evident that, while it has been stated that the algorithm considers context,
this is not always the case. The videos selected adhere to the community guidelines, yet Algospeak
was used as a precautionary measure in case the AI-driven algorithm classifies videos as
“unsuitable” based solely on the words used.
It is crucial to acknowledge the need for users to resort to this alternative lexicon in order to
freely express themselves. Simultaneously, we must not overlook the potential use of Algospeak on
inappropriate content to evade the algorithm due to its reliance on word detection. I believe these
two notions should be properly researched in further investigations.
Appendix
Links to the videos analysed:
Miller, L. [@Liammillerr]. (2022, May 30). [Video]. TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@liammillerr/video/7103603927383330091?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=
7154452847232697862
Jay & Co. [@the.did.kid]. (March 2). [Video]. TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.did.kid/video/7206063252235898158?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=
7154452847232697862
livimpulsive [@livimpulsive]. (2022 September 22). [Video]. TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@livimpulsive/video/7146346303335894318?is_from_webapp=1&web_id
=7154452847232697862
LustCast [@getlustcast]. (April 10). [Video]. TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@getlustcast/video/7220447794669047045?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7
154452847232697862
Mr Impulsive [@themrimpulsive]. (April 12). [Video]. TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@themrimpulsive/video/7221222382172736811?is_from_webapp=1&web
_id=7154452847232697862

Websites for further reading on the subject:

LinguisticGirl. (2023, 06 17). Algospeak: The Secret Language of Social Media Creators.
Linguistics Girl. Retrieved 06 24, 2023, from
https://linguisticsgirl.com/algospeak-the-secret-language-of-social-media-creators/
Klug, D., Steen, E., & Yurechko, K. (2023, 04 30). How Algorithm Awareness Impacts
Algospeak Use on TikTok. ACM Digital Library. Retrieved 06 24, 2023, from
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3543873.3587355
Feyissa, S. (2022, November 22). "Algospeak", a new vocabulary that has emerged on
TikTok as content creators try to get around algorithms and strict content moderation. cApStAn.
Retrieved June 27, 2023, from
https://www.capstan.be/algospeak-a-new-vocabulary-that-has-emerged-on-tiktok-as-content-creator
s-try-to-get-around-algorithms-and-strict-content-moderation/
 Transcript of video N° 2:
​ – My therapist after I told her I almost unalive myself over the weekend.
​ – Me, on my way out the door because I saved it for the end session.
Transcript of video N° 4:
So I work for legal corn in Russia. And there was a producer, an Italian guy. And he shoot Russian
actress with aggression actors. And he sells it to the official side. He paid me something like 10,000
rubles for anal. This is something like 150 euro for anal, and he paid something like 200 for GP.
Corn in Russia is illegal, any kind. You can do erotic but you cannot do corn so at first it was hiding
production but everybody knows Saint Petersbourgh it’s the capital of pron and a lot of production
is shoot there.
Transcript of video N° 5:
My wife committed suicide. My wife killed herself. And the last thing my wife said to me when she
was still alive was that she loved me and that she’d talk to me again soon. And 2 days later she
killed herself. And that’s a reality. She didn’t tell me that she was broken, that she felt like she was
unlovable. That she felt that everyone else was better off without her. That is depression, that’s
anxiety. That’s the shit that you face every single day. Because it’s hard to reach out. You feel alone
and we isolate ourselves. And we want somebody to notice and there’s a child inside screaming for
help but we don’t know how to say those words. And it’s a fucking battle. It’s no joke. Check on
your strongest friends, because those who suffer in silence, they don’t wanna be called an attention
seeker. If you’re struggling out there go look in the fucking mirror right now. Look at those self
harm scars on you and those are your motherfucking battle scars. Shows that life is beating you
down and you stood back up and for that I’m proud of you. You’re a BAMP. You’re a baddass
matherfucker. You made it through 100% of your worst days, to make it through today and you
didn’t come this far to only come this far cause this shit gets better.
References
Crystal, D. (2013). 3. The Role of the Internet. In The Language Revolution (pp. 34-44).
Polity Press.

Lorenz, T. (2022, April 8). 'Algospeak' is changing our language in real time. The
Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/04/08/algospeak-tiktok-le-dollar-bean/

Moskal, M., & Supernak-Polnik, N. (2023, May 22). (PDF) Do you speak algospeak? An
introduction to the recent yet prominent phenomenon of Internet discourse from a cognitive
linguistics perspective (abstract). ResearchGate. Retrieved June 23, 2023, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370873069_Do_you_speak_algospeak_An_introduction_t
o_the_recent_yet_prominent_phenomenon_of_Internet_discourse_from_a_cognitive_linguistics_pe
rspective_abstract

Rupp TikTok. (2021, April 15). Have the TikTok Community Guidelines Gotten MORE
Strict? | TikTok Community Guidelines. YouTube. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from
https://youtu.be/OnZKzlO3WdI

Wall Street Journal. (2023, May 18). TikTok's Algorithm: Why Teens' Feeds Are Worrisome |
WSJ Tech News Briefing. [Video transcript]. YouTube. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from
https://youtu.be/fquVgzEyWTQ

Zapal, H. (2020, September 23). 2023 TikTok Slang: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents.
Bark. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.bark.us/blog/tiktok-slang/