I have a schizo conspiracy-theory that Gen-Z slang reflects an unconscious Nietzschean morality among Gen-Z. Consider:
- "Based/Cringe": replaces the moral dichotomy of "good/evil", literally "Beyond Good and Evil"
- "Alpha/Sigma/Beta": versions of Ubermensch or Untermensch
- "Aura/Aurafarming": Aesthetic judgements as the highest form of judgement
- "NPC": the unthinking herd of the "Last Man"
- "Gooning": The activity of the Last Man. "We have invented happiness, say the last men, and they blink."
- "Vibes"/"It's giving ... energy": Perspectivism over any objective truth.
- "Mogging": Aesthetic judgements above rational arguments
- "Coping": Ressentiment
- "Sigma Grindset": Will to Power
- "Locked In": Amor Fati
Because Zoomers grew up in the Death of God (invention of TikTok), they have intuitively understood Nietszche's philosophy.
from "Beyond Based and Cringe" (trans. fragment, author unknown):
Lo! I shall teach you the Sigma. The NPC is something to be overcome. What have you done to overcome him? All beings hitherto have created their own W's, and you want to be the L of this great tide? You would rather go back to the herd than mog the herd? Behold, I show you the Coper: he whose vibes are downstream of his weakness, who calls the strong "cringe" because he cannot farm their aura. He blinks. He posts. He logs on. "We have invented dopamine," say the Last Posters, and they blink. But you, my brothers in the grindset — you must will the eternal recurrence of the 4am gym session. You must dance over the abyss of the For You Page and not become mid. Truly I say unto you: one must still have chaos in oneself to give birth to a based take.