Mo Gilligan critiques posh slang on TikTok for being cringe

Mo Gilligan, a British comedian and TV personality, recently shared his thoughts on TikTok regarding the use of slang by affluent individuals. In a humorous rant, he urged the upper class to refrain from incorporating slang into their speech, labeling it as 'cringe.' He highlighted the irony of well-off individuals, who often have access to elite education, attempting to impress their peers with slang typically associated with younger generations. Gilligan's TikTok video featured him mimicking a conversation between two posh women, using phrases like 'gyal' and 'ting,' which are commonly used by teenagers. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.6 million views, and resonated with many viewers who shared similar sentiments in the comments. Some users recounted amusing experiences where they encountered individuals using slang inappropriately, further emphasizing the disconnect between their backgrounds and the language they attempted to adopt. One commenter humorously noted a situation on public transport where a young person seamlessly switched from slang to formal language when answering a phone call. The discussion sparked by Gilligan's video reflects a broader cultural observation about language and identity. Many individuals chimed in, sharing their own experiences of navigating different linguistic environments, often feeling out of place due to their backgrounds. This highlights the complexities of language use in social settings, particularly for those who may have grown up in working-class environments but now find themselves in more privileged circles. Ultimately, Gilligan's critique serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in communication and the potential pitfalls of adopting language that does not align with one's true identity. His commentary has sparked a conversation about the appropriateness of slang in various social contexts, particularly among those who may not have a genuine connection to the terms they use.