A new generation of Instagram users have adopted the tag “achikap” to describe themselves and their friends.
While some of these tag names are playful, others are more serious, like “a friend” and “a buddy.”
When I spoke to several friends who use the tag, most were shocked to learn they’re “a chikan.”
“I’m an asshole,” one said.
A friend said she “wants to be the biggest asshole in the world.”
Others shared a different perspective.
“It’s just a funny name,” said a student.
The students I spoke with seemed to be less than enthusiastic about their new tag, but were willing to share their experiences.
My friend had used the tag to identify with her peers.
She says the tag has made her feel like she’s a friend to her friends.
“I’m really proud of who I am and how I identify as a chikan,” she said.
