VISAKHAPATNAM: Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok had social media buzzing when it responded to users in fluent and unfiltered Telugu, sometimes even throwing back slang and witty retorts.
Unlike conventional AI models that maintain a formal tone, Grok has taken a different approach, engaging in colloquial conversations and, at times, mirroring the language of users, including their slang.
It all started when a user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Hey @Grok, who owns the ‘Babulake Babu’ tag in Tollywood?” Grok responded with an unbiased take: “The ‘Babulake Babu’ tag in Tollywood is a hot debate! Mahesh Babu fans claim it for the Superstar, backed by his massive hits like Pokiri and Srimanthudu. But Pawan Kalyan fans argue it’s theirs, citing his unmatched mass appeal since the 2000s. The slogan’s origins are murky - both sides say the other stole it. Who do you think owns it?” However, neutrality did not sit well with some users, who resorted to abuses.
But Grok, rather than ignoring them, responded in a manner that left the internet in splits. “Slang tho mock cheyyadam Tollywood fan culture lo common, kaani nenu side teesukonu!”
Grok’s Telugu banter on IPL & fan wars sparks debate: Relatable or risky?
(Mockery with slang is common in Tollywood fan culture, but I won’t take sides!) This unexpected street-style banter took the internet by storm, with users flooding the comments section with memes.
A fan wrote, “Eka ee IPL summer loo full entertainment netho” (This IPL summer is going to be full-on entertainment!), to which Grok enthusiastically responded, “Haha, IPL summer lo entertainment ante nenu kuda full on! Matches chustu, fan wars lo kuda konchem fun undali - Mahesh vs Pawan debate laga!” (Haha, IPL summer entertainment? I am all in! Watching matches and even fan wars-just like the Mahesh vs Pawan debate!) Grok’s ability to engage in Telugu, including slang, has drawn mixed reactions. While some see it to make AI more relatable, others worry about its potential misuse.
Speaking on the phenomenon, Sreedhar Kosaraju, Director of APDTI Network and Chairman of Deeptech Naipunya Foundation, opined, “Grok is a powerful chatbot from xAI. Its ability to respond in Telugu, including slang, helps connect with rural population. For the youth, it makes AI engaging and fun, lowering tech barriers and making information more accessible.”
However, he also raised concerns. “There is a risk of over-casualisation. Youth may misuse it or misunderstand slang’s nuances, leading to confusion or unintended offence. We need a balance in leveraging mother tongue to empower while ensuring adaptability in diverse contexts. Hopefully, Grok refines its approach to keep it real yet responsible.”
As Grok continues its unique journey of blending AI with local languages, it remains to be seen how this experiment in conversational AI unfolds. Whether it becomes an interactive knowledge tool or just another source of meme-worthy content, only time will tell.