In a surprising turn of events that may leave traditionalists scratching their heads, the latest list of top 100 spelling test words has been revealed, and it’s more influenced by TikTok than textbooks. Gone are the days of mastering words like “photosynthesis” and “conscientious.” Today’s students are being drilled on terms like “sus,” “rizz,” and “bussin.” And who’s behind this educational revolution? The newest generation of teachers, who themselves grew up in the age of social media and viral trends.
Nichole Rutherford, a recent USC grad from Simi Valley, CA, is one of these educators helping to shape the future of language education. “We need to be preparing our students for the real world, and the real world is increasingly digital,” Rutherford said, while taking a quick break to check her TikTok feed. “The old-school spelling lists didn’t resonate with kids today. If we want them to engage, we have to meet them where they are.”
Rutherford, who studied education with a focus on digital literacy, believes that including these terms in spelling tests is not just about keeping up with trends, but about equipping students with language they actually use. “It’s not just slang—it’s part of how they communicate. Knowing how to spell ‘sus’ is just as important as knowing how to spell ‘necessary’ if that’s a word they’ll use daily.”
The new spelling list, already implemented in schools across the country, includes a mix of popular Gen Z slang and abbreviations that educators say are essential to modern communication. Words like “cap” (for when someone is lying), “glow up” (describing a transformation for the better), and “simp” (referring to someone who is overly attentive to someone they like) are just a few of the new additions.
Rutherford argues that these words have meanings that are deeply relevant to today’s youth. “Take ‘rizz,’ for example,” she said. “It’s not just about charisma; it’s a whole vibe, something that speaks to a person’s presence and influence. And ‘bussin’—it’s a way to express when something is exceptionally good or satisfying. These are expressions that matter to them.”
While some critics worry that traditional educational values are being sidelined in favor of fleeting internet trends, Rutherford and her colleagues see it differently. “We’re still teaching the basics,” she emphasized. “But we’re also ensuring that students can navigate the world they’re actually growing up in. Language evolves, and our teaching should too.”
As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, the hope is that this new approach to spelling and language will prepare future generations not just for success in their careers, but also for effective communication in a world that’s increasingly shaped by social media. As Rutherford puts it, “Education isn’t just about what’s in the textbooks; it’s about preparing students for the world they live in.”
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