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

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

"Eighty-six" is a slang term used to mean "eject" or "remove."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

They call it “speed running,” slang for trying to beat a video game as quickly as possible, scurrying around hazards and taking shortcuts to skip through levels.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

There is so much that the public doesn’t know, and even more that can be contorted by disinformation and colloquial slang, making these important subjects the butt of the joke.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

I tossed in everything I saw and thought and felt during the day and wrapped it all up with book quotes and prison slang and bits of wild conversation, and anything I thought was interesting.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular