Say What?
March 2025
Timeline
24 Hours
Tools
- Next.js
- Tailwind CSS
- FastAPI
- Pydantic
- Zustand
- Urban Dictionary API
- Vader
Overview
“Say What?” is a web application designed to bridge the generational language gap by translating Gen-Z slang and internet jargon into more universally understandable English. Built for the hackHer Hackathon hosted by QWIC, the project won Best Education Hack for its creativity, usability, and social impact in facilitating intergenerational communication.
Development
I independently developed the frontend using Next.js and styled with Tailwind CSS for a responsive and modern UI. Motion was used to create engaging animations and transitions, while Zustand handled global state management efficiently. All visual assets and UI illustrations were hand-drawn by me using Procreate, giving the app a distinct and original aesthetic.
The backend was built using FastAPI, leveraging Pydantic for data validation and schema enforcement. The API processed user input using a combination of external services:
- Urban Dictionary API to identify and define slang terms
- OpenAI API to rephrase sentences into more accessible language
- VADER Sentiment Analysis to retain the emotional tone of the original sentence
Hackathon Reflections
This was my last hackathon before I graduated which made it extra special. I got to do it with some of my realy good friends I had made during my undergrad.
