A Star Wars-inspired slur has become the internet’s latest weapon against AI and robots. “Clanker” is now a viral term used to mock machines — and reflects growing anxiety about emerging tech.
A once-obscure Star Wars term, “clanker,” is gaining viral momentum as a slur aimed at artificial intelligence and robots, echoing public discomfort with emerging technology. Originally used to describe battle droids in Star Wars, the term has resurfaced across TikTok and X, where users hurl it at delivery bots and customer service AIs.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., even referenced it in support of his bill to ensure human access in customer service: “My new bill makes sure you don’t have to talk to a clanker if you don’t want to.”
Linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic sees the term as a product of “a cultural need,” likening it to how marginalized groups have historically been dehumanized. “We’re anthropomorphizing AI and simplifying it into human analogies,” he said.
TikTok user Nic, whose viral video helped popularize the term, acknowledges its controversial tone. “I see it as a push back against AI,” he said. “It’s a stupid way of fighting, but there’s a little truth to it.”
As AI becomes more visible in daily life, the backlash is intensifying. A Gartner report revealed 64% of customers prefer companies avoid AI in customer service, underlining growing resistance to automation.