In everyday conversation among young people and professionals alike, the term ‘feedback’ has become increasingly common. Originally rooted in technical and psychological contexts, this word has gradually evolved into casual use, especially among Indonesian speakers who have adopted it into their informal communication. When someone says, Kasih aku feedback, dong, they are not necessarily referring to a structured evaluation or formal response instead, they’re using a term that now sounds relaxed, trendy, and current. It’s this linguistic shift that has led many to consider ‘feedback’ as part of contemporary slang or ‘bahasa gaul.’
Understanding the Evolution of ‘Feedback’
The original meaning of ‘feedback’ is quite technical. In engineering and science, it refers to the process of returning part of the output of a system to its input, often to maintain control. Later, in management and communication theory, it came to mean the information given in response to a performance or action. Over time, the word seeped into everyday language, especially in English-speaking environments, and eventually into other languages, including Bahasa Indonesia.
The Informal Shift in Indonesian Usage
In Indonesia, ‘feedback’ has taken on a more casual tone. Among youth and in digital spaces such as social media, messaging apps, and office chatrooms, the word has become a kind of shortcut for asking opinions, thoughts, or critiques without the heaviness of formal judgment. It’s not unusual to hear phrases like:
- Tolong kasih feedback ya, cepetan.
- Feedback lo penting banget nih.
- Gimana menurut lo? Feedback, please.
These expressions reflect the integration of an English word into a relaxed, conversational setting, making ‘feedback’ part of bahasa gaul. Its function here is less about structure and more about connection and casual engagement.
Why ‘Feedback’ is Now Considered Bahasa Gaul
1. Widespread Use Among Young People
The younger generation is quick to adopt and repurpose language. The word ‘feedback’ fits perfectly into the linguistic habits of Gen Z and millennials, who often blend English with Indonesian. This code-switching is part of their identity and communication style, helping them express things more effectively or sometimes just more fashionably.
2. Simplicity and Trend Value
Using the word ‘feedback’ instead of a longer Indonesian phrase like tanggapan, komentar, or kritik dan saran makes the message more straightforward and cool. It gives off a modern, flexible tone that’s easy to insert into chats or spoken conversation without sounding too formal or old-fashioned.
3. Social Media Influence
Much of the popularization of English words like ‘feedback’ into Indonesian slang is driven by the internet. From YouTube creators asking for feedback in the comments, to Instagram captions, to TikTok content the word has become normalized in informal, interactive environments. The more people see and hear it used this way, the more natural it feels to include it in everyday speech.
Examples of ‘Feedback’ in Bahasa Gaul Context
Here are some practical scenarios that illustrate how ‘feedback’ has been absorbed into Indonesian street and online culture:
- In group projects: Guys, presentasi kita udah oke belum? Butuh feedback nih sebelum kita kirim ke dosen.
- On social media: Baru coba makeup look baru, kasih feedback dong, cocok gak?
- In office communication: Bro, lo udah baca draft gue? Feedback-nya nanti ya!
In each of these examples, the word feedback replaces the need for a lengthier, more formal phrase. It captures the mood of openness and collaborative energy while staying rooted in informal, everyday usage.
Linguistic Borrowing and Code-Switching
The adoption of feedback into bahasa gaul is a classic example of linguistic borrowing. In this process, one language adopts words from another, often because they fill a perceived gap, offer nuance, or are just more trendy or expressive. What’s unique about ‘feedback’ is that it hasn’t been translated it’s simply used as-is, fitting comfortably into Indonesian syntax and grammar.
This form of code-switching, where speakers alternate between languages, is common in bilingual communities. It’s not just about convenience, but also about cultural signaling. Using feedback can imply tech-savviness, openness to Western norms, or simply being in tune with digital and global trends.
The Impact of Feedback as Slang
1. Enriching Conversational Flow
By incorporating feedback into everyday slang, speakers make communication faster and more intuitive. It breaks down barriers, making it easier to express ideas without sounding overly formal or detached. This is particularly useful in casual workspaces, creative teams, and educational settings where collaboration is key.
2. Bridging Formality and Informality
One of the most interesting aspects of feedback being used as slang is how it blurs the line between formal and informal language. While the original use of ‘feedback’ is rooted in professional contexts, its slang version is fluid and adaptable, allowing it to travel across different communication settings without friction.
3. Reflecting Cultural Openness
The use of feedback in bahasa gaul shows Indonesia’s openness to linguistic and cultural exchange. It highlights how language evolves naturally when people interact across cultures, especially in a globalized world connected by the internet, media, and technology.
The Everyday Role of ‘Feedback’
Today, ‘feedback’ is no longer just a term used in business meetings or technical reports. It’s part of the living, breathing slang that colors daily communication among Indonesians, especially the youth. Whether in a group chat, video caption, or passing conversation, the word carries more than its dictionary definition it signals connection, responsiveness, and a shared understanding of how we communicate in the modern age.
As language continues to evolve, terms like ‘feedback’ will keep finding new meanings, layers, and places in our lives. What started as a formal concept now lives on as a flexible, familiar part of bahasa gaul proving once again that language is as dynamic as the people who use it.