back slang
C1Informal
Definition
Meaning
A type of slang in which words are spoken or written backwards.
A form of playful or secretive language primarily used in certain communities (e.g., some market traders in the UK) where words are systematically formed by reversing their sounds or spelling (e.g., 'yob' for 'boy').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term refers specifically to the language phenomenon, not to be confused with 'back slang' used metaphorically for general dishonesty. It is often a marker of in-group identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phenomenon and the term are strongly associated with British English, particularly with London's historic street and market culture. In American English, it is a known linguistic term but not a living cultural practice.
Connotations
In the UK, it can connote tradition, Cockney culture, or market traders. In the US, it is a purely academic or curious linguistic term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use in both dialects, but recognisably higher cultural salience in the UK.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] speaks/uses back slang.The word '[X]' in back slang is '[Y]'.Back slang is used by [group].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all back slang to me. (Meaning it's incomprehensible)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in very niche marketing contexts referencing London culture.
Academic
Used in linguistics, sociology, or cultural studies papers discussing slang, anti-languages, or Cockney culture.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used when explaining an odd word like 'yob' or discussing historical London life.
Technical
A precise term in sociolinguistics for a type of 'language play' or 'anti-language'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The stallholder would back slang a price to his mate so customers wouldn't understand.
American English
- As a linguistic exercise, we tried to back slang a few simple words.
adjective
British English
- He used a classic back-slang term I hadn't heard in years.
American English
- The book included a chapter on back-slang formations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Yob' is a famous word that comes from back slang.
- Some market traders used back slang to communicate privately in front of customers.
- The sociolinguistic study examined how back slang functions as an anti-language, reinforcing group solidarity among its users.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of turning your back on normal speech to say words BACKwards.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A REVERSIBLE TOOL; SECRECY IS TURNING AWAY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as "обратный сленг" implying 'returning slang'. The core idea is reversal of the word form. "Сленг наоборот" or "задом наперёд" is more conceptually accurate.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'back slang' to mean rude or insulting language (that is 'backtalk' or 'backchat').
- Confusing it with Pig Latin or other word-play languages.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a genuine example of back slang?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different systems. Back slang typically reverses the sounds of the whole word (e.g., 'ecaf' for 'face'), while Pig Latin moves the initial consonant cluster to the end and adds 'ay' (e.g., 'igpay atinlay').
Its active, conversational use is very rare and largely historical. Some individual words originating from back slang (like 'yob') survive in mainstream English, and it may be used playfully or in very specific traditional settings.
Its primary historical purposes were to create a private, in-group language for tradespeople (like butchers or market stall holders) to discuss business without customers understanding, and for playful or secretive communication among peers.
In theory, yes, but in practice it works best with shorter, phonetically simple words. Longer words become cumbersome and unclear when reversed, which limits its practical utility.