internet and slang culture, deepfaking (or “to deepfake”) refers to the act of using artificial intelligence to alter, swap, or synthesize someone’s face or voice. This technology—coined from the words “deep learning” and “fake”—makes it appear as if a person is doing or saying something they never actually did. [1, 2, 3]

Common Slang Terminology

The rise of AI-manipulated media has created several distinct slang terms based on technical sophistication and origin. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Deepfakes: Synthetic media created using advanced, machine-learning algorithms (like Generative Adversarial Networks or GANs). These require high computing power and datasets, and are highly convincing. [1, 2, 4, 5]
• Cheapfakes / Shallowfakes: Manipulations created using easily accessible, low-level editing software (or no software at all). This includes traditional Photoshop, speed-altering a video to slur someone’s speech, or using basic phone face-swapping apps. [1, 2]
• AI Slop: A recent slang term used to describe low-effort, mass-produced AI content, including AI-generated imagery or videos of fake events and unauthentic urban scenes. [1, 2, 3, 4]

How the Slang is Used in Conversation

In modern digital culture, “deepfaking” is treated as an active verb to describe AI-driven impersonation. [1]

• In a sentence: “Did you see that video of the CEO? It’s totally deepfaked.”
• In a sentence: “People are using new apps to deepfake their classmates into inappropriate photos.”

Uses and Dangers of Deepfakes

While deepfaking can be utilized harmlessly—such as digitally adjusting lip-syncing for post-production on a movie or preserving user privacy by scrubbing faces from Google Street View—the slang term usually carries a sinister connotation. It is strongly associated with: [1, 2]

• Digital Harassment / Sextortion: Non-consensual deepfakes used for bullying, revenge, or blackmail.
• Disinformation: Fabricated clips intended to manipulate public opinion or sway political elections.
• Scams and Fraud: AI-generated voice cloning or real-time video calls used to trick employees or individuals into transferring money. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Tips on Detection

As deepfake technology improves, distinguishing between authentic and synthetic content becomes more challenging. However, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for on social media platforms: [1, 2]

• Unnatural movements: Look for awkward blinking patterns, irregular eye movements, or poorly rendered hair and teeth.
• Audio artifacts: Cloned voices may lack natural breathing, sound unusually metallic, or have a strange rhythm.
• Context: Pay close attention to media that triggers extreme emotions like urgency or fear, especially from accounts lacking a verified source. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]