slang

¹

[ slang ]

noun

1. very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language, as Hit the road.
2. (in English and some other languages) speech and writing characterized by the use of vulgar and socially taboo vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
3. the jargon of a particular class, profession, etc.
4. the special vocabulary of thieves, vagabonds, etc.; argot.

   Synonyms: cant

verb (used without object)

1. to use slang or abusive language.

verb (used with object)

1. to assail with abusive language.

slang

²

[ slang ]

verb

, Nonstandard.

1. simple past tense of sling ¹.

slang

/ slæŋ /

noun

1. 1. vocabulary, idiom, etc, that is not appropriate to the standard form of a language or to formal contexts, may be restricted as to social status or distribution, and is characteristically more metaphorical and transitory than standard language
   2. ( as modifier )

      a slang word

2. another word for jargon 1

verb

1. to abuse (someone) with vituperative language; insult

slang

1. Expressions that do not belong to standard written English. For example, “flipping out” is slang for “losing one's mind” or “losing one's temper.” Slang expressions are usually inappropriate in formal speech or writing. ( See jargon .)

Usage Note

See informal.

Derived Forms

• ˈslangily, adverb
• ˈslangy, adjective
• ˈslanginess, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slang¹

First recorded in 1750–60; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of slang¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Not even Radio Bemba (Cuban slang for the rumor mill) had picked up the signal.

From The Daily Beast

It's a long trip, to be sure, illustrated here with the hypothetical slang "couch."

From The Daily Beast

“I do all this stuff in the community and the haji mart over there,” he said, using the slang for Iraqis used by U.S. soldiers.

From The Daily Beast

Jenna and Tamara (Jillian Rose Reed) her best friend, speak almost exclusively in inside jokes and ever-evolving slang.

From The Daily Beast

To be bad is to be afraid of equality: Behind all the sloganeering and slang, that is the truth of the age.

From The Daily Beast

She has real pretty manners when she is with them, and really tries not to talk slang.

From Project Gutenberg

She did not powder too much, and she had the latest slang at her pink tongue's tip and was yet moderate in her use of it.

From Project Gutenberg

A well-bred person will take care not to use slang words and expressions.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the fact that we owe some of our strongest idioms to slang, the free use of slang always vulgarizes.

From Project Gutenberg

His conversation was at all times interlarded with the slang terms appropriated to the science, to which he was so devoted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular