What Is a ‘Clanker’? New Slur for Robots Catches On

A new term used by people who aren’t happy about the growing presence of robots and artificial intelligence in daily life has emerged.

“Clankers,” a term from Star Wars lore used by humans and clones to derogatively refer to robots, has caught on. While its use began ironically, the growing adoption of automation in almost every facet of life has some people using the term more seriously.

What Is a ‘Clanker’?

The term first appeared in the Star Wars franchise. During the Clone Wars, a conflict between the republic and separatists, the latter used an army of robots called droids. So the word “clanker” became a common derogatory term used by protagonists toward their robotic enemies.

What To Know

With the rapid adoption of automation in the real world and the attempts of many tech companies to make robots more human-shaped, the term has moved beyond science fiction.

“Clanker” is normally used to refer to humanoid robots doing jobs that were typically reserved for humans, such as serving food or cleaning.

The increased use of the term, which is most prominent on X and Instagram, has coincided with the rapid adoption of humanoid robots across the tech industry, spearheaded by AI innovators such as Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

Musk himself has said robots serving people at kiosks will “become normal in a few years.” Tesla, a company Musk owns, also has new Optimus robots that are set to become some of the first commercially available full-size humanoid robots.

The company has described Optimus as “a general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive or boring.”

“Clanker” has emerged as a rallying cry by people who are frustrated by rapid automation, particularly as it relates to job losses.

Other social media users have speculated on another way in which humanoid robots may change social norms. On Instagram, Gen Z content creators often joke about being “robophobic” in the future when their children date robots.

What People Are Saying

Elon Musk, at a launch event in October, said of his new Optimus robot: “What can it do? It’ll do anything you want.”

He added: “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 Happens Next

As aspects of life become increasingly automated, people will likely continue to adopt new terms to grapple with advancing technologies.