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Abstract
Based on Kosse (2022), this presentation details how the memeified word “cuck”, a pejorative term for “weak” men on the US political rightwing, draws from and reproduces white nationalist conspiracy theories through allusions to interracial cuckold pornography. While disguised as innocuous, expressions like “cuck” provide insight into how the alt-right weaponizes misogynist and racist humor in its radicalization efforts.
Bio
Maureen Kosse is a PhD candidate in Linguistics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research is a multimodal semiotic investigation into the linguistic practices of the self-titled “alt-right” movement which peaked in popularity online between 2015 and 2020. She enjoys crafting, role playing games and professional wrestling.