Pop Culture Slang And Day-Old Sushi Things That Can Quickly Go Bad
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
Pop Culture, Slang, and Day-Old Sushi: Things That Can Quickly Go Bad
Summary:
And How to Avoid Letting Them Ruin Your YA FictionIn a decade, will phrases like "fo shizzle" make any sense? Will references to Britney Spears' buzz cut or Paris Hilton's jail time resonate with anyone? Perhaps, perhaps not. As a young adult fiction writer, it's essential to avoid stuffing your writing with slang and cultural references that age like week-old sushi.
YA writers must recognize more than anyone else that what's trendy now becomes outdated almost overnight. In a world where trends shift at lightning speed, an excellent piece of writing can easily be tarnished by outdated references.
Dr. Montana Miller, an assistant professor in the Popular Culture department at Bowling Green State University, explains, "Any pop culture references to fashion or TV shows change so rapidly. Trying to appeal to a young audience with these references is often futile, as they become outdated quickly. Young readers can sense when references are forced. They enjoy detail but can tell when it’s purely to grab their attention."
The time it takes for a novel to be published, generally around a year, means shout-outs to celebrities, TV shows, or trends might seem outdated once the book reaches readers. Today's beloved pop stars could be forgotten by the time your novel is published.
Are there exceptions to this? Are there cultural icons that stand the test of time? "Barbie will always be a touchstone for everyone," Miller notes. However, very few things achieve the universal, lasting appeal of Barbie.
Barbie, introduced in 1959, has become a cultural mainstay, captivating generations of little girls (and boys) through birthdays and Christmases. But what about less enduring fads like Tickle Me Elmo? Only parents who battled for it might remember, as the toys eventually ended up forgotten in closets.
Media poses another challenge. Music, movies, and TV shows play critical roles in American life. But what makes something worthy of reference? Classic films might be touchstones for older generations, but today's youth focus on mass consumption rather than lasting memories. In the past, limited entertainment options meant shared experiences. Now, an internet search for 'popular culture' yields millions of results, making it unlikely for young adults to have the same cultural references even in a short span.
So, generally, avoid fleeting pop culture references in your writing. However, there are exceptions. When writing for a niche audience sharing the same cultural background, well-chosen pop references can resonate. For instance, sci-fi fans at Comic Con share knowledge of Star Wars lore and Dungeons and Dragons. If you’re familiar with a subculture, using its internal references might work. Sports, punk music, and other niches have specific, common references.
The second exception involves teenagers recounting personal experiences. Here, pop culture references are acceptable, as they serve as documentaries or memoirs. An example is the French bestseller "Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow" by Faiza Guene, drawing heavily on her experiences. The cultural references retain credibility due to the author's perspective.
Another consideration when writing for young adults is the use of slang. As Miller points out, slang remains highly regional. What’s cool in San Francisco ("hella") might differ from New England's slang ("wicked"). Even seemingly universal internet slang can change rapidly, making it risky to include. For example, "pwned," originating from the online game World of Warcraft, might be forgotten in a few years.
Ultimately, the best strategy for YA writers is to captivate readers with universal themes and characters instead of relying on trendy pop culture or slang. "If you're an older writer for this audience," Miller advises, "focus on themes of relationships, gossip, jealousy, and betrayal. These themes resonate in today's competitive world. Young readers want stories reflecting the intense pressure they face."
Fo' shizzle.
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