slang

¹ American  

[slang] / slæŋ /

noun

slang plural

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

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verb (used without object)

1. to use slang or abusive language.

verb (used with object)

1. to assail with abusive language.

slang ² American  

[slang] / slæŋ /

verb

Nonstandard.

1. simple past tense of sling.

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slang British  

/ 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

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verb

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

slang Cultural  

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.)

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Usage

See informal.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• slanginess
  noun
• slangy
  adjective
• slangily
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• slang
  plural

Etymology

Origin of slang

First recorded in 1750–60; origin uncertain

Explanation

Slang refers to a type of language that's too informal to use in certain situations. You can tell a word or phrase is slang when it becomes uncool to use it after a while — like "groovy" or "far out." Often, slang terms are considered vulgar or offensive to use in polite conversation. However, over time, many slang expressions have become part of our standard vocabulary, as they are more commonly used. As a noun, slang can also mean "the characteristic language of a particular group of people" like a slang used by computer programmers.

Example Sentences

Among wealthy university students in the 1880s and 1890s, there was a habit of shortening words and adding "-er" to the end, creating a kind of slang.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

As I understand it, “Bait” is UK slang?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

We don’t need to be pandered to with short-form content depicting people four times our age using our slang incorrectly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“Meghan’s serving your insatiable thirst for dance-ready bops with the upbeat banger that is ‘Foolish,’” the release stated, cramming two bits of gay slang into one sentence.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

“Jo does use such slang words!” observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular