slang

¹ American  

[slang] / slæŋ /

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

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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

• slangily adverb
• slanginess noun
• slangy adjective

Etymology

Origin of slang

First recorded in 1750–60; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

To describe the phenomenon, he used the slang word "glazing" -- to excessively praise something.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

“Doxing” is a slang term for revealing a person’s private information online.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

He is hired as an intern by a phony physician whose reputation is founded on knowledge of “a certain professional slang, humored by a medical face.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

By rephrasing melodies, throwing in slang, using nonsense syllables, embracing scatting, and making it seem as if he was speaking directly to you, he changed the way people sang and thought about vocal performances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

“You’ll just need to respond with a To/From,” he said, using department slang for a memo.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular