Why people are utilizing the robo-slur “clankers” — and what it means

The term “clanker,” originally a derogatory slur for robots from Star Wars, has emerged as real-world slang used by people frustrated with increasing automation and the presence of humanoid robots in daily life. What began as ironic usage has evolved into a more serious expression of concern about job displacement and the normalization of robots performing traditionally human roles.

What you should know: “Clanker” specifically refers to humanoid robots performing jobs typically reserved for humans, such as serving food or cleaning.

• The term originated in Star Wars during the Clone Wars, where human protagonists used it to derogatorily refer to their robotic enemies called droids.
• Its real-world adoption has coincided with rapid deployment of humanoid robots across the tech industry, led by companies like Tesla and figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

The big picture: The slang reflects growing public anxiety about automation’s impact on employment and social norms as humanoid robots become more prevalent.

• Tesla’s Optimus robots are set to become some of the first commercially available full-size humanoid robots, described as “a general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive or boring.”
• Musk has predicted that robots serving people at kiosks will “become normal in a few years.”

Why this matters: The emergence of “clanker” as a rallying cry signals organized resistance to rapid automation, particularly around job displacement concerns.

• Gen Z content creators on Instagram joke about being “robophobic” in the future when their children date robots, highlighting potential shifts in social relationships.
• The term’s popularity on platforms like X and Instagram demonstrates how language evolves to help people process technological change.

What they’re saying: Elon Musk described the capabilities of his Optimus robot at an October launch event: “What can it do? It’ll do anything you want.”

• “It can be a teacher, babysit your kids. It can walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, just be your friend, serve drinks. Whatever you can think of, it will do.”

What’s next: As automation continues expanding into new areas of life, people will likely continue adopting new terminology to navigate and express their feelings about advancing technologies.