Sexual Metaphor in Indonesian Slang Language in TikTok

In this data, we want to explore sexual metaphors in Indonesian slang language in TikTok social media. At the semantic and discursive level, the study reveals a consistent pattern in which metaphorical mappings reproduce gendered asymmetries. Women are predominantly conceptualized as passive objects, akin to food, fields, or mechanical objects. Conversely, men are often conceptualized as active agents, such as consumers, farmers, or mechanics. This asymmetrical depiction is indicative of and reinforces broader heteronormative and patriarchal ideologies embedded within Indonesian sociocultural contexts. Consequently, the study makes a significant contribution to the fields of sociolinguistics and discourse studies by demonstrating that slang, frequently regarded as merely playful or subcultural, is, in fact, ideologically loaded and plays a substantial role in the construction and normalization of gendered power relations in digital spaces.
The use of metaphors indicates the existence of creative capacity within the speech community of a particular community. These metaphorical expressions, shaped by local cultural references such as food, automotive terms, or agricultural practices, allow sexual content to circulate widely among young audiences without immediate recognition by adults. This underscores the urgent need for greater media literacy, particularly among educators and parents, in understanding the evolving linguistic strategies used by adolescents. While the intention of this study is not to pathologize youth slang, it intends to promote awareness of how language mediates sexual knowledge and identity in digital spaces. In doing so, this study contributes not only to sociolinguistic theory and metaphor analysis but also to broader cultural and educational dialogues about sexuality, agency, and digital exposure in contemporary youth culture.