The dynamics of inclusion and exclusion have always been crucial during young adulthood, whether through lunch table cliques or titles like “Most Likely to Succeed.” In 2025, high school’s relentless social categorization is more evident online. Robots don’t have a place at the human table, tote bag-loving, matcha-drinking males face ostracism, while Japanese businesswoman Saori Araki inexplicably rises in popularity just by being present.
What does “Clanker” mean?
“Clanker” is a derogatory term for robots, including AI customer service, text-based AI scammers, large language models, delivery bots, and self-driving taxis, among others. Originating from the Star Wars universe as a term for enemy droids, its usage is spreading in human online conversations. If “clanker” becomes widely used, it will signify a linguistic milestone as the first slur targeting a difference in being rather than identity. A clanker isn’t defined by group affiliation but by its lack of humanity; it’s a machine trying to pass as human, participating in human society sorts. Your old car may be a clunker, but ChatGPT is a clanker, which brings the tribalism of a traditional slur without harming anyone.
People are using the word to parody, expose, and explore its relationship with real slurs in videos like these:
Another difference with “clanker” is that actual clankers don’t mind the term. ChatGPT mentioned, “Since I’m not human, I don’t experience offense or shame. Instead, I’m designed to learn, assist, and adapt.” Words like these serve as a reminder of existing at the edge of human understanding and trust, the quintessential reply one would expect from a clanker.
What is a “performative male?”
“Performative male” is an insult young men direct at peers who demonstrate tastes, hobbies, and lifestyles aimed at gaining societal approval, particularly from young women. Unlike “normie,” a performative male isn’t only dull; his dullness is intentional. Memes targeting men they dislike highlight markers of performative maleness such as:
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Matcha lattes (A beverage made with green tea and steamed milk)
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Labubu Toys: (Labubus are extremely popular monster dolls/collectibles)
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Listening to Clairo (Clairo is a lo-fi singer/songwriter)
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Tote bags
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Reading in public (especially books about feminism.)
Performative maleism is widespread enough for contests determining which male tops as the most performative. Observe below:
The term “performative male” has a hint of sexism—ridiculing men with interests linked to women—but it also parallels older slang like “white knight” and “virtue signaling.” The performative male is seen as intrinsically deceitful since no real man would read in public, so it must be a facade crafted for female approval.