CogFest 2026: Adam Aleksic (aka Etymology Nerd)

March 27, 2026, 4 PM

The Ohio Union - The Great Hall Meeting Room

Event Details

Join CCBS on March 27th at the Ohio Union for a unique public event discussing "How AI and algorithms are affecting our language". We'll feature special guest presenter Adam Aleksic, known as the Etymology Nerd, the author of the book Algospeak! Copies of Algospeak will be available for purchase.   

There's been a paradigm shift in our media. New tools purport to understand our language better than ever before, and yet subtly misrepresent it. Certain ideas are rewarded, while others are limited, which ends up affecting how we all talk.  

There will be ample time for audience questions at the end of the event. A reception will follow the event from 5:30-7 pm.

This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! Please email ccbs@osu.edu if you have any questions. 

About Adam Aleksic

Adam Aleksic, known as the Etymology Nerd, is a linguist and content creator who explores the origins of words and their evolution, with a significant following across social media platforms. Born to Serbian immigrant parents in Albany, New York, he graduated from Harvard University, where he studied linguistics and government. His fascination with etymology began in 2016 when he discovered the book "The Etymologicon" by Mark Forsyth, which inspired him to explore the origins of words. Aleksic started his journey as the Etymology Nerd in 2016, creating content that delves into the history and development of language. He gained popularity through educational videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, amassing over three million followers combined. His content often focuses on modern slang and the impact of social media on language. In June 2025, Aleksic published his book titled "Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language", which examines how algorithms influence language  and communication in the digital age. The book discusses the shift in storytelling and communication methods brought about by social media and its algorithms.