The word “clanker” just hopped out of a Star Wars battle grid and right into today’s AI-fueled lexicon—and it’s not a lightsaber-wielding hero. Instead, it’s become a go-to insult for expressing weariness, frustration, or flat-out disdain for artificial intelligence. What’s Up with “Clanker”? If it sounds familiar, that’s because it is. “Clanker” originated in Star Wars: Republic Commando, used by clone troopers to belittle their droid enemies. Fast-forward to 2025, and the term has resurfaced—this time targeting modern-day AI platforms like ChatGPT, voice assistants, and robotic systems. We’re not talking playful nerd speak—it’s hitting a nerve. The slur is spreading across social media, popularized on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, as a punchy way to vent frustrations with AI’s growing invasion of daily life. Why Now? What’s Driving the AI Frustration? “Clanker” fits the mood: a nostalgic sci-fi relic turned linguistic flashlight, spotlighting anxiety about the machines among us. What’s…
