What is Algospeak? A Parent’s Guide to Online Code Words

The internet is full of slang, abbreviations, and secret codes like leetspeak — and just when you think you’ve caught up, new ones pop up. One of the latest forms of online code is called “algospeak.”

Algospeak refers to the creative words, spellings, and emojis people use online to get around content moderation systems. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram automatically flag or hide posts that use certain words related to violence, drugs, body image, or sexual topics. To avoid having their content taken down, users replace sensitive words with algospeak alternatives.

For parents, this means your child might be seeing or even using words that seem silly or harmless — but that actually reference serious or adult topics.

This guide breaks down what algospeak is, why kids use it, and the most common examples you should know.

What Is Algospeak?

Algospeak is a blend of “algorithm” and “speak” and refers to alternate spellings or symbols people use online to get around content moderation systems. Unlike other forms of internet slang, algospeak is less about signaling inclusion in a group and more about avoiding censorship online, because most big social platforms use algorithms to scan posts for harmful content. 

For example, posts that mention words like “suicide” or “drugs” may be flagged or removed. In response, users started swapping in sound-alike words, emojis, or funny substitutions to “beat the algorithm.”

The result: entire hidden languages that can make it hard for parents to understand what their kids are really reading or saying online.

Common Examples of Algospeak

Here are some of the most widely used algospeak terms, grouped by topic. Keep in mind: these terms change constantly, and new ones appear all the time.

🚨 Violence and Self-Harm

• Unalive = kill, die, suicide
• KMS / kms = “kill myself”
• Kermit = stand-in for suicide (dark meme substitution)
• Die-d / d1ed = died
• R-word = rape
• Pew pew = gun
• S.A. / SA = sexual assault
• S.A. survivor = used instead of “rape survivor”
• A / 4L / self-harm emojis (razor, etc.) = references to self-harm 

💊 Drugs and Substances

• Lettuce / gardening / G / green* = weed
• Snow / snoo / sn0w = cocaine
• 🍄 = mushrooms
• 🍷 / beveragino = alcohol
• Lean / drank / purple stuff = codeine cough syrup mix
  

🔞 Sexual and Intimate Terms

• S3X / seggsy / seggsy time = sex
• Pr0n / corn / spicy corn = porn
• OF = OnlyFans
• Accountant = sex worker (from the TikTok trend “Nobody asks what an accountant does”)
• Spicy content = explicit or NSFW content
• O-word = orgasm
• Seggsual = sexual
• Shug4r daddy/mommy = sugar relationship
  

⚠️ Other Sensitive Topics

• pdf / pdf file = pedophile
• Tism = autism
• Music festival = protest (to avoid government censorship in some regions)
• Alabama = incest (jokey workaround)
• ED = eating disorder
• Leg booty = LGBTQ
• GRWM (“get ready with me”) = sometimes used to mask risqué content
• shyt / ts / yt = “sh!t” / “this sh!t” / white

Why Parents Should Care

At first glance, “lettuce” or “beveragino” might not raise red flags. But in algospeak, they can be a cover for drugs, alcohol, or explicit material.

Knowing these terms helps you:

• Spot potential red flags in your child’s online activity.
• Have informed conversations about sensitive topics.
• Understand context when your child is using slang that doesn’t make sense.

How to Talk With Your Child About Algospeak

Algospeak may look silly, but it’s a powerful reminder that kids are growing up in a digital world full of hidden codes. By learning what these words mean, parents can better guide their children through online spaces and protect them from content that isn’t age-appropriate.

1. Stay curious, not judgmental. If you see an unfamiliar word, ask what it means.
2. Do your research. Many parents’ guides (like this one) track evolving slang.
3. Keep conversations open. Remind your child they can come to you with questions about what they see online.
4. Set boundaries together. Pair devices and software designed to keep kids safe with clear expectations and regular discussions about safe online behavior.

Staying informed is the best way to keep the conversation open. What algospeak did we miss in the guide above? What has worked as you’ve had conversations with your kids about staying safe online? 

Join the conversation with other parents in the comments below.