TikTok Trend: 'Clankers' Emerges as New Robot Slur

The rapid evolution of technology frequently introduces new vocabulary into our daily discourse. In recent weeks, terms such as “clanker” have gained prominence, particularly on platforms like TikTok, reflecting contemporary anxieties and humor surrounding technological advancements.

A “clanker” is a derogatory term for a robot. While it was originally coined in 1920 for the Czech play R.U.R., which depicted dangerous mechanical men, its more recent popularization stems from the Star Wars universe. The term appeared in the 2005 video game Republic Commando and gained wider recognition through the 2008 Clone Wars animated series.

On TikTok, “clanker” has surged in popularity since early July 2025, primarily used in a satirical manner to comment on a hypothetical future where robots might face discrimination in employment and social interactions. Many videos circulating on the platform feature existing robots, such as those used for cleaning in supermarkets. However, a significant portion of the content imagines future scenarios, placing viewers in an era 20 to 50 years from now when humanoid robots are presumed to be far more common.

These comedic portrayals often draw parallels to 20th-century societal issues, mimicking the bigoted responses seen during the civil rights movement in the U.S. and repurposing them to depict human discomfort with a robotic “other.” This approach allows content creators to channel broader societal unease about emerging technologies.

The proliferation of humanoid robots in everyday life remains speculative. While figures like Elon Musk have optimistically projected billions of robots being sold globally within a lifetime, the current reality often features teleoperated robots that are still far from widespread autonomous integration. Nonetheless, the prospect of increased robot presence evokes a range of reactions, including apprehension.

The concept of oppressed robots is a deeply ingrained trope in science fiction, predating the term “clanker.” The current use of “clanker” on TikTok taps into these long-standing narratives, allowing users to explore fears surrounding technological change through humor. However, the term’s usage is not without controversy; some individuals express discomfort, viewing it as potentially coded racism rather than a simple commentary on future human-robot relations.

It remains to be seen whether “clanker” will endure as a lasting part of the tech lexicon beyond the current trend. Similarly, other recently emerged terms, such as “sloppers” (referring to individuals who excessively rely on generative artificial intelligence), highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of language evolution in response to technological shifts.