'Clanker': The Rise of an Anti-AI Slur from Star Wars to Mainstream Discourse

2 Sources

The term 'Clanker', originating from Star Wars, has evolved into a derogatory slur for AI and robots, reflecting growing societal tensions around emerging technologies.

Origins in Star Wars

The term "Clanker" has its roots in the Star Wars universe, first appearing in the 2005 video game Republic Commando 1. Initially used as a derogatory term for droid opponents, it gained wider popularity with the launch of the Clone Wars animated series in 2008. In the Star Wars context, "Clanker" was explained by Obi-Wan Kenobi as a reference to the mechanical clanking sound made by battle droids 1.

Source: Gizmodo

Source: Gizmodo

Evolution into Mainstream Usage

In the summer of 2025, "Clanker" transcended its Star Wars origins and entered mainstream viral trends. The term evolved to encompass a broader range of modern-day robots and AI systems, including:

  • Food delivery robots
  • Automated call center operatives
  • Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Midjourney 1

This shift in usage reflects growing societal tensions surrounding the rapid advancement of AI and robotics technologies. The term has become a way for people to express their frustration and anxiety about the increasing presence of AI in daily life 2.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

The widespread adoption of "Clanker" as a derogatory term for AI and robots has sparked discussions about its implications:

  1. Anthropomorphization of AI: By using a slur typically applied to humans, people are inadvertently elevating the status of AI, recognizing its growing importance in society 2.

  2. Echoes of historical discrimination: The use of "Clanker" mirrors classic slurs related to racial tropes, raising concerns about the potential normalization of discriminatory language 2.

  3. Expression of technological anxiety: The term serves as a "stupid way of fighting" against the perceived threat of AI to human jobs and way of life, according to one TikTok content creator 2.

Political and Social Reactions

The term has gained traction beyond social media, with some politicians adopting it in their rhetoric. Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., used "Clanker" in a post on X (formerly Twitter) to promote legislation aimed at giving consumers more control over interactions with AI in customer service 2.

Broader Context of AI Backlash

The rise of "Clanker" is part of a larger trend of growing skepticism towards AI and automation:

  • A Gartner research group report found that 64% of customers prefer human customer service over AI 2.
  • 53% of customers would consider switching to a competitor if they discovered a company was using AI for customer service 2.
  • Concerns about AI-related job losses are increasing, despite limited evidence of widespread displacement 2.

Ethical Considerations and Pushback

Source: NBC News

Source: NBC News

While "Clanker" has gained popularity, there is also growing awareness of its potentially problematic nature:

  • Some users, particularly in marginalized communities, have expressed discomfort with the term, viewing it as tasteless or reminiscent of real-world slurs 2.
  • Critics argue that the enthusiastic adoption of "Clanker" may be more about the thrill of using a slur than genuine concerns about technology 2.

As AI continues to integrate into various aspects of society, the use of terms like "Clanker" highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between humans and emerging technologies. The phenomenon raises important questions about how we conceptualize and interact with AI as it becomes an increasingly significant part of our daily lives.

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