Being the parent to a child or teen with an eating disorder is not an easy thing. It can be mentally taxing for you, and emotionally exhausting watching your child battle a truly ugly disorder. And unfortunately, social media does not make it any easier.
With so many young people online nowadays absorbing all the content on social media, it’s become quite clear that there exists online a language of their own.
For those who battle eating disorders, this online language can actually be rather harmful and alarming. Therefore, knowing the “lingo” is highly important for parents and caregivers.
What are the slang terms for eating disorders?
Parents should be aware that those kids and teens who stumble upon the online eating disorder community also stumble upon language, including phrases and words, that refer to certain behaviors, disorders and content that may not be obviously about disordered eating habits.
This can make it challenging for parents to decipher what their kids may be talking about, but it is crucial to know in order to intervene if necessary. Plus, it can allow you to get your child the help they need when it comes to healing from eating disorder complications.
Some of the common eating disorder slang terms include:
- Ana and Mia, which are personifications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, respectively, used to romanticize or normalize the conditions. Such terms can foster an environment that may inadvertently promote unhealthy behaviors;
- Thinspo or Thinspiration, which are terms used to describe content like images or quotes intended to inspire weight loss or promote a very thin body image. This can be harmful by perpetuating unrealistic body standards and encouraging disordered eating behaviors;
- Pro-ana and Pro-mia are terms referring to individuals or communities that advocate for or glorify anorexia and bulimia as lifestyle choices rather than recognizing them as serious mental health disorders. Such communities may provide tips and encouragement for sustaining harmful behaviors, proving dangerous to young minds;
- Chew and Spit (CHSP) is a term describing the behavior of chewing food and then spitting it out before swallowing. It’s often associated with eating disorders and can be part of a cycle of disordered eating practices;
- Bonespo is similar in concept to “thinspo” or “thinspiration” and refers to content that emphasizes visible bones, such as protruding ribs, collarbones, or hip bones, with the intent of motivating individuals to achieve extreme thinness;
- Trigger foods refer to specific foods that provoke anxiety, distress or a strong urge to engage in disordered eating behaviors like binge eating, purging or severe restriction. These foods can vary widely among individuals but often include items that are perceived as high in calories, fat or sugar;
- Safe foods are those an individual feels comfortable eating without experiencing significant anxiety or guilt. These foods are often perceived as being “healthy” or low-calorie, but can create a limitedly nutritious diet.
If you notice that your child is using these terms online or even in conversation, it may be an indicator that there is a deeper problem present than “picky eating.”
What is the problem behind these terms and their use?
While it could seem like eating disorder slang is used simply as a means of shortening their words to minimize typing time, the truth is there lies a much higher risk of dangerous potential in these abbreviations and slang phrases.
Teens and children are at a particularly vulnerable stage of development, where their identity and self-esteem are highly influenced by external factors, including their peers and what they see on social media. The prevalence of eating disorder slang online can distort their understanding of healthy body image and nutrition, leading to harmful behaviors. For instance, coming across content that glorifies extreme thinness or promotes fasting and purging as “goals” can warp their perception of what is normal and healthy. These terms may encourage teens to partake in dangerous behaviors which can actually worsen any feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and depression.
Additionally, the frequent use of eating disorder slang online can lead to the normalization of these disorders. When teens and children see their peers casually discussing or even celebrating dangerous eating habits, they may come to view these behaviors as standard or acceptable. This normalization is worsened by the anonymity and lack of accountability the internet often provides. Teens might feel pressured to conform to these harmful ideals to gain acceptance or validation, both online and offline.
Where can I find help?
As a parent, you want what is best for your child, including offering any support they may need if navigating an eating disorder. Thankfully, plenty of sources online are available, including helpful articles and resources from the National Eating Disorder Association and the Eating Disorder Resource Center.
Additionally, reach out to Seeds of Hope for more information on personalized recovery plans and additional recommendations to get your teen the help they need. Contact us anytime.
