Slang as subversion: Feminist and queer reappropriation of derogatory youth terms in Indian university campuses

The paper aims to discover how slang provides a subversive language for feminist and queer-identifying youth attending Indian universities such as EFLU and BHU. It looks at how people with non-conforming gender identities now claim use of insults and slurs to show their unity and show opposition to discrimination. The analysis shows that people use words such as slut, item, chakka, bitch, gay and simp in a different way to regain power in everyday situations and online chats. Following a theory from different fields, the study combines digital ethnography, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and discourse logs. Memes, what is said on social media and informal campus chats are looked at as spaces where rules about language are broken and become a way to define oneself. It is shown that using deformed slang gives individuals an opportunity to redefine their gender, get tougher emotionally and grow closer to friends. The argument is that reappropriation goes deeper than changes in language and helps people change negative feelings into power. The aim of this paper is to participate in conversations regarding inclusive language, identity and how people express themselves in postcolonial, gendered and youth-driven society.