‘Clanker’ Becomes Viral AI Slur Reflecting Global Job Fear

The term "clanker," originally a slang insult for battle droids in the Star Wars franchise, has experienced a resurgence as a viral slur against AI systems and robots amid growing societal unease about automation and job displacement. Popularized on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) in mid-2025, "clanker" and related insults such as "wireback" and "cogsucker" express disdain for AI's increasing role in creative and service industries. This linguistic trend reflects broader public anxiety, with surveys showing over half of U.S. adults are more concerned than excited about AI's rise, fearing job losses and overreliance on chatbots. While some embrace these terms as a form of pushback, others worry about the potential harms of robophobic language, drawing parallels to historical slurs and cautioning against future regrets. The meme culture origins and Star Wars connection illustrate how pop culture references evolve into contemporary expressions of frustration, highlighting the complex cultural impact of AI adoption.