Exploring Language Variation in Internet Buzzwords: A Case Study of the Phrase “Officially Diagnosed as XX”

Abstract

Internet buzzwords, characterized by their interactivity and permeability, serve as indicators of the shifting emotional landscapes and emotional appeals of netizens within distinct temporal contexts. However, these buzzwords remain far from stagnant, continually undergoing linguistic variations influenced by the psychological dispositions of users and the ever-shifting environmental backdrop. In this case study, a comprehensive exploration of linguistic variation within internet buzzwords is undertaken, focusing intently on the dynamic phrase "officially diagnosed as XX" and its profound reflection of prevailing social mentalities and linguistic motivations. Guided by the conceptual framework of eco-linguistics, which offers a lens for comprehending the economic underpinnings of language and rationalizing the phenomena of internet buzzwords, this study delves into an intricate analysis. By meticulously dissecting online datasets and user commentary, the study unveils the multifaceted employment of "officially diagnosed as XX" as an instrument to articulate an array of emotions and cognitive states, ranging from humor to frustration and even self-deprecation. Through the prism of language evolution in the digital era, the study engages in a scholarly discourse on the intricate phenomenon of linguistic variation within the realm of internet discourse. Ultimately, this research not only illuminates the intricate dynamics between language, society, and technology in the contemporary age but also advances our comprehension of the profound interplay between language, emotion, and human communication within the digital realm.