Why “flex” should be added to the dictionary

One more word that merits being added to the dictionary is “flex.” Teenagers and celebrities widely use the slang flex in the context of flaunting status or money. Further, the recent popularity of the word flex shows this generation’s infatuation with gloating and showing off. Firstly, the word flex is widely used by a vast demographic. With the massive expansion of social media, the presence of slang terms have increased in daily language. The slang flex is used around popularly by teens in high school, referring most often to their designer luxuries. They are flaunting their new watch, Gucci shoes, cool shades, etc. Celebs and singers also flex their status and purchases via their social media posts and song lyrics. For instance, famous singer Post Malone’s song “Go Flex” centers around his flex as a successful singer and wealthy man. Clearly, the users of the word flex vary drastically. They have been widespread enough via social media, songs, and word of mouth to be a commonly understood word in society regardless of its two drastic meanings. For that reason, it should be added to the dictionary Secondly, the slang word flex is a staple word that perfectly embodies this generation’s desire for luxuries to flaunt. One of the most favored ways to flex is spending money on luxury brands where consumers are paying for brand name recognition and not necessarily product quality. Take Gucci, for example, whose brand is associated with luxury that can only be afforded by the wealthy upper class. According to Vogue business, Gucci is on track to hit €10 billion or 11.8 billion USD in 2020 (Arnett). Gucci is just one of many luxury retailers making astronomical profits that are increasing at a constant rate. This goes to show that there is a real demand and business for luxury brands that people can show off. Flex is the word embodiment of this generation’s infatuation with flexing now more than ever. The word flex’s underlying history can always be looked back upon in the future as the slang term continues to reside in dictionaries potentially. In conclusion, the word flex is worthy of being added to the dictionary.

Reference

Arnett, George. “Gucci on Track to Hit €10 Billion in 2020.” Vogue Business, Conde Nast , 26 Apr. 2019, https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/gucci-sales-reach-euro-10-billion