It turns out that young women are at the forefront of linguistic innovation, significantly shaping the evolution of language across generations. They are the true “disruptors” of language, arguably even more transformative than figures like Shakespeare. In a fascinating study highlighted by linguist Gretchen McCulloch in Quartz, researchers from the University of Helsinki analyzed 6,000 letters written from 1417 to 1681, identifying 14 key language changes during that era, such as the shift from “doth” to “does.” Notably, women were responsible for adopting new writing styles more rapidly than men in 11 of those 14 instances, with the few exceptions being men who had greater access to education at the time.
McCulloch points out that this trend continues today. While young individuals have historically driven linguistic innovation, it’s not merely a matter of age—gender plays a crucial role, too. Research consistently shows that women are typically the leaders in linguistic change, influencing everything from how New Yorkers pronounce “r” to the “ch” sound in words like Panama.
Moreover, women are pioneers of contemporary vocal and linguistic trends such as uptalk, vocal fry, and the frequent use of “like”; these patterns generally emerge in men a generation later. This is largely because boys often learn language primarily from women, particularly their mothers and female caregivers. The way young mothers communicate sets the stage for how the next generation will speak. Interestingly, young women are more influenced by their peers than by maternal figures. McCulloch notes that young women tend to be more socially conscious, empathetic, and attuned to their peers’ perceptions, which may enhance their ability to initiate linguistic changes. Their broader social networks expose them to a diverse range of language innovations.
So, why is there so much criticism surrounding how women speak? Media discussions about vocal fry and uptalk, as well as instances of public shaming—like the woman on the ferry who chastised my friend for using “likes”—often stem from deep-seated sexism. Society tends to view middle-aged white men as the standard for authority, which unjustly positions other communication styles as less articulate or confident.
In response to such criticisms, my friend could have simply smiled and said, “I’m, like, an innovator.”
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In summary, young women are not just passive recipients of language trends; they are active innovators shaping the way we communicate. The critiques they face often stem from outdated notions of authority and gender roles, which need to be challenged. Embracing the linguistic shifts led by young women can enrich our language and reflect the dynamic nature of communication.