The English language can be super confusing for learners. So many different phrases to know, and then there are all the literary devices and slang. You may have many questions: What counts as slang? When is it ok to use and not ok to use? Does it exist just to annoy you (spoiler alert: no!) and so on.
This article is going to cover all that and more, with a brief history of English slang, examples from English literature, and a handy FAQ section. By the end of the article, you’re sure to feel like an expert.
Let’s get down to it!
What is slang? With examples
Slang is informal vocabulary which is not appropriate for formal circumstances. There are slang words and slang phrases.
Slang is present in every subculture worldwide, and it changes all the time. For example, ‘groovey’ and ‘cowabunga’ were once popular, but now new slang words such as ‘lit’ and ‘dope’.
Sometimes, a slang word is simply a clipped version of an existing word, such as saying ‘pic’ instead of ‘picture’, ‘dis’ from ‘disrespect’ and ‘bro’ from ‘brother’.
Sometimes, slang words can be a portmanteau, which is when two words are combined together to make a new word. One example might be ‘frenemy’, which is a combination of ;friend’ and ‘enemy’, and may be used to describe someone who is nice to your face but speaks ill of you when you’re not there.
Another example would be ‘romcom’ which is a combination of ‘romantic’ and ‘comedy’, used to describe a film that is from both the romance and the comedy genres. Then there’s ‘rizz’, which is a shortened version of the word ‘charisma’.
That said however, slang words aren’t always modified from other words. For example the relatively slang word ‘ghosting’ refers to when someone cuts off all communication with you.
It is essential that you learn when it is OK and not OK to use slang. Which leads us nicely onto our next section.
When is it OK to use slang?
It’s super important that you ‘read the room’ before using slang words, because there are times when it would be inappropriate. (More on this shortly.)
Slang is best suited for casual, informal situations with people you already know, because it is more conversational than formal.
You can also use slang in creative writing whenever you feel it is appropriate, such as in dialogue, or as part of the narration. It can help to set the scene by projecting a feeling of ordinariness, which often comes up in cosy mystery novels.
When is it not OK to use slang?
It is not appropriate to use slang in legal contexts, such as in a written contract or at a court hearing. In these contexts such informal language may hinder not only the clarity of what is being said, but also hinder professionalism. It can be seen as lowering the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing.
Sometimes, slang words are considered vulgar or offensive to use in polite conversation. For example, the word ‘fart’ can be considered an unpleasant word that you wouldn’t want to use in polite company. Oftentimes, slang words can be a little taboo.
Another issue with slang is that its use implies that both the speaker and listener (or writer and reader) are expected to be familiar with the term. However, it is quite often the case that people from the baby boomer generation are unfamiliar with slang words that are predominantly used by younger generations such as gen-z. When a gen-z person says that a party is going to be ‘lit’ they mean that it’s going to be exciting, not that there’s going to be an actual fire.
What is the purpose of slang?
Slang provides a window into a specific community’s cultural values and attitudes. By using slang in the right way, English learners can show cultural awareness, which is great for forming deeper connections with native speakers. By using words that are only understood by a select group of people, there’s an intimacy that can develop between the speaker and the listener, because it makes you feel like part of the in-crowd.
What’s more, using slang can also help to add a splash of colour to your words. Take the word ‘slay’ for example, which means ‘someone is or has done exceptionally well’.
Examples of slang in literature
In the book “The catcher in the rye” by J.D. Salinger has the narrator Holden Caulfield using slang like “phoney”, “crumby”, and “lousy” to describe things he dislikes.
Similarly, in the book “Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh a Scottish dialect is used which includes slang words like “bampot”, “scunner”, and “radge” to convey the gritty urban setting.
And in Mark Twain’s novels he used frontier slang with phrases like “dag-burn it”, “consarn your skin”, and “I’ll be dog-goned”.
A brief history of English slang
English slang began in 1600 as a cryptic language called Thieves’ Cant, and it was used by thieves, tramps, criminals and vagabonds as a way of discussing matters without causing concern for authorities.
The word ‘slang’ has been in use since at least 1756 to refer to the vocabulary of ‘disreputable’ people, but by the early 1800s, the word was no longer only associated with disreputable persons.
Some former slang words have even been accepted into the standard language. And some slang words can be short-lived, lasting only a decade or so. The biggest change to slang words came with the rise of the internet, where people like to save time by using acronym slang words, such as LOL, FOMO, YOLO, BFN, ATM, BRB and of course, TLDR.
Who uses slang?
Originally, English slang was used in part by people who wanted to hide actions from those in authority in order to cover up the truth. However, times have really changed since then and even people who don’t use slang do know what various slang words mean.
Nowadays, most English speakers use slang. Interestingly, it’s been discovered that the percentage of people who currently use slang increases with each generation, from 65% among baby boomers to 77% for Gen X, 83% for millennials, and 92% for Gen Z.
Why do people use slang?
Slang as a form of communication is often used to strengthen a feeling of belonging and a collective identity within a social group. And they are also good for providing humour and a splash of colour and vibrance to conversations.
It can also be used as a signal to someone that it’s OK to be relaxed and casual in your presence, because it helps to foster a laid-back atmosphere which is great for strengthening personal connections.
Are slang words good or bad?
The key to knowing whether slang words are good or bad depends entirely on the context. On the one hand, slang is handy for conveying humour or to establish a feeling of belonging in a community, for example in a pub or at the water cooler in the office.
On the other hand, however, there are also times when slang words are not acceptable, such as in legal contracts, where precision is key. What’s more, many slang terms can be considered offensive or vulgar to many people.
FAQ
What is a another word for ‘slang’?
The word ‘slang’ is itself slang. The proper word for slang is ‘colloquial’, and if you were to refer to the use of slang during a court hearing, then you would refer to it as colloquialism.
What’s the difference between slang words and swear words?
Admittedly, some swear words have made it to the category of slang. This includes phrases such as ‘boss b*tch’ and ‘f*ckbuddy’. However, not all slang words are swear words.
Swear words are curse words that are often intended to cause offence. They are often used to express intense emotions, such as anger or frustration, or as a grammatical intensifier.
There may be situations where it is OK to use slang words, but not OK to use swear words. However, it’s best to bear in mind that slang words can often be crass or cruel, just like swear words.
Final word
So, to summarise, the word ‘slang’ refers to informal language that should not be used in formal contexts. Using slang has both pros and cons, and the key to knowing when to use slang relies on your ability to read the room, and to bear your audience in mind before you speak (or write).
While there’s no issue with using slang words with your friends, you should not use slang when you need to be formal and professional, and need to make a sophisticated impression. Once you understand these rules, you are well on your way to communicating just like a native speaker.
English slang is changing all the time, and on phrases.org.uk we aim to keep you up to date on as many phrases as possible, including slang. Be sure to return.