slang
highinformal (as a noun describing the phenomenon), neutral (as a linguistic term), slightly formal (as a verb meaning to abuse verbally, now dated).
Definition
Meaning
A type of language consisting of very informal words and expressions, typically restricted to a particular context or group and often used to establish group identity.
It can also refer to the act of using abusive or violent language (verb), or to something/someone considered low-class or vulgar (adjective, dated).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it's non-countable when referring to the general phenomenon (e.g., 'full of slang'), but can be countable when referring to a specific word or a particular variety (e.g., 'a few new slangs', 'teenage slang'). The verb usage is now rare and primarily found in older texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns are very similar. The verb 'to slang' meaning to abuse is more archaic in both, but slightly more attested in older British texts. The countable use for a specific word ('that's a new slang') is slightly more common in AmE but exists in both.
Connotations
Neutral-to-negative when describing the language form, depending on context. The dated adjective 'slang' (e.g., 'a slang term') carries a negative, low-class connotation.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties as a noun. The verb and adjective uses are very low frequency in contemporary use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + be + full of + slang (The dialogue is full of slang)V + in + slang (to speak in slang)Adj + slang (contemporary slang)Slang + for + N ('Rizz' is slang for charisma)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Slang someone off (UK, informal: to criticize someone harshly)”
- “Slanging match (UK: a noisy argument involving insults)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in marketing discussing youth trends ('using internet slang in ads').
Academic
Common in linguistics and sociology as a neutral technical term for a language variety.
Everyday
Very common to describe informal speech among friends, online, or in specific groups.
Technical
Used in lexicography to label dictionary entries; in computing, 'slang' can be a proper name for shading languages (e.g., HLSL).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two politicians started to slang each other during the debate.
- He was slanged by his boss for being late.
American English
- The coach slangged the player for missing the pass. (archaic/rare)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use in contemporary English)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use in contemporary English)
adjective
British English
- He used a few slang phrases that dated him. (dated usage)
- It was a bit too slang for the official report.
American English
- The article warned against using slang language in job interviews. (dated usage)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend uses a lot of slang.
- I don't understand this slang word.
- Teenage slang changes very quickly these days.
- 'Cool' is old slang, but everyone still uses it.
- The author skilfully employed local slang to give the characters authenticity.
- Linguists study how internet slang spreads across different cultures.
- The proliferation of niche slang on social media platforms complicates automated sentiment analysis.
- His speech was an erudite dissection of the sociolect, seamlessly blending academic jargon with street slang.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GANG using a special LANGuage — SLANG. Gangs often have their own slang.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL BONDING/EXCLUSION (slang builds in-groups and excludes outsiders).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'slang' as 'слэнг' in formal writing; use 'жаргон' or 'сленг'.
- The Russian concept of 'жаргон' is narrower, often implying criminal or low-class origins, whereas English 'slang' is broader and can be neutral or playful.
Common Mistakes
- Treating it as always plural ('slangs' is often incorrect; use 'slang words' or 'slang terms').
- Using it as a synonym for any informal word (some informal words are colloquialisms, not necessarily group-specific slang).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'slang' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. All slang is colloquial (informal), but not all colloquial language is slang. Slang is specifically marked by its group affiliation and often short-lived, trendy nature. A colloquialism like 'What's up?' is widely used informal speech, not necessarily tied to a specific group.
Yes, but carefully. When discussing the concept as a subject of study (e.g., in linguistics, sociology), it is a standard technical term. However, using slang vocabulary within your academic prose is generally inappropriate unless you are quoting or analyzing it.
Critics often associate slang with laziness, lack of education, or the corruption of 'proper' language. It can also create barriers to understanding for outsiders. Supporters view it as creative, democratic, and vital for cultural and group identity.
It varies greatly. Some slang terms (e.g., 'cool') achieve long-term stability. Others, particularly youth and internet slang, can become passé within months or a few years as new terms emerge to maintain group distinction and novelty.
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