Great Expectations reimagined in Gen Z slang to assist parents

Charles Dickens’ classic novel ‘Great Expectations’ has been reimagined as ‘Bare Expectations,’ a version translated into modern Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang. Commissioned by Tesco Mobile, the project aims to help parents navigate the rapidly evolving digital language used by children aged 10 to 16.

The initiative follows research involving 2,000 parents, which revealed that 70% have struggled to understand text messages, social media posts, or online comments from their children due to slang. The adaptation is available as an audiobook on Spotify and Apple Music and includes a glossary to explain misunderstood terms.

To ensure authenticity, Tesco Mobile partnered with youth culture expert Chloe Combi to advise on the translation. The project also features MC Grindah, who performed a reading at a London youth center. The launch coincides with the introduction of Tesco Mobile’s ‘Safe Start’ offering, a service designed to assist parents with phone setup and online safety monitoring.