The Existence of the Word Tabe in WhatsApp Hastianah 1 , Yusniati N. Sabata 2 , Ramlah Mappau 3 Language Center, South Sulawesi, Jl. Sultan Alauddin Km 7 Tala Salapang 13 , Muhammadiyah Luwuk University, Jl. K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi 94711, Indonesia 2 {hastianahnurdin@gmail.com} Abstract. The word tabe can be found in the Bugis and Makassar tribes. This word is usually used to ask a guest permission. The use of the word tabe is closely tied to the existence of local customs, conditions, and conversation situations. In communication or speech events, the word tabe is very difficult or even heavy to pronounce at this time, only certain speakers usually use the word to maintain politeness. The word tabe is not only used in face-to-face communication, but has been used in social media, such as WhatsApp. This research is a qualitative descriptive study using a sociolinguistic paradigm, which describes and describes the use of the word tabe in social media (WhatsApp). This research uses listening, engaging, and tapping techniques. Data analysis described the correlation of language choice and relating it to power and status. The purposed of this study is to describe or provide an overview of language variations regarding power and status in the WhatsApp group. The result of this research is that the word tabe can be used to state: 1) request for permission, such as tabe Bu, Nur Alisa Salsabila cannot enter school today because of illness, 2) requests, for example tabe can borrow reports from last year, 3) orders, for example Assalamualaikum, delivered to the teacher / guardian kls to convey the students tomorrow Friday to bring an Android cellphone for the simulation activity of PAS Odd Tp 2019/20 tabe, 4) delivery of information, for example tabe Bu adami full name of the mayor of Parepare?, 5) politeness, usually followed by body gestures, namely looking down, bending over, and opening the palms that are slightly swung forward parallel to the head followed by the word tabe, but in WhatsApp this is not the case, only using varied words are used before stating something or after stating something that the partner may or may not agree with. Thus, the word tabe has experienced a shift in the younger generation, there is a correlation in language choice caused by the relationship between power and status. Keywords: tabe, existence, language variety, Bugis, Makassar. 1 Introduction Community as language speakers on social media on WhatsApp is always growing and developing. This influences the use of the language. As is appropriate, something that is alive develops as well. In the process of development, language undergoes changes and new elements are created. There is also particular element is getting faded. All this happens in accordance with the movements and dynamics of society and its users. The word tabe can only be found in the Bugis and Makassar tribes. This word is used to ask permission from guests. The use of the word tabe is closely tied to the existence of local customs, conditions of politeness, and conversation situations. In communication or speech events, at this time the word tabe is very difficult or even heavy to pronounce, even often as an BASA 2020, November 04, Solok, Indonesia Copyright © 2021 EAI DOI 10.4108/eai.4-11-2020.2314214