ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Style shifting

Style shifting is when someone changes the way they talk, act or dress depending on who they are with or where they are. It's like wearing a different costume for different performances. For example, when you are at home with your family, you might talk in a certain way and use different words than when you are at school with your friends. This is because you want to fit in and feel more comfortable in different situations.

When people style shift, they usually do it without even realizing it. It's like you put on a different personality mask depending on the people you are with. You might use more slang or more formal language, or try to act more polite or more relaxed, depending on the situation.

It's important to understand that style shifting is a normal and common part of human communication. It allows us to connect with different groups of people and adapt to different environments. However, it's also important to be aware of our own style shifting and make sure that we are still being true to ourselves and our beliefs, even as we adapt to different situations.