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

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

Singing in English, her song's title is a Jamaican Patois slang term that means "riot".

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

I hoped I would never age into someone who complains about new slang the way every older generation tends to, but still: Have we forgotten how to talk normally?

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Comey has said he did not realize that “86,” a slang term for getting rid of something, had violent connotations.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

The peelers – slang in Northern Ireland for police – have often been in the headlines in Northern Ireland, and not always for the right reasons.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

I do not know myself if I shall ever speak slang; I do not know if Arthur likes it, as I have never heard him use any as yet.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular