slang

Slang is informal language consisting of words and phrases that are not part of a language’s standard vocabulary or grammar. It is commonly used in casual speech to signal group membership, convey attitudes, or add humor. Slang differs from jargon, which denotes specialized terms used within particular domains, and from the neutral vocabulary of formal writing.

Slang arises in social groups—such as youth circles, workplaces, or online communities—and can spread through music, media, and digital communication. New terms can form by wordplay, metaphor, or reusing existing words with new meanings; they may also borrow from other languages. Slang terms are often short-lived, evolving rapidly, with some entering mainstream usage while others fade away.

It can be regionally or socially limited, and often varies by age, gender, and ethnicity. The use of slang can facilitate in-group bonding but also create barriers to outsiders. Some slang is playful, creative, or provocative; other terms may be offensive or exclusionary. The acceptability of slang shifts over time and across communities.

Researchers study slang within sociolinguistics and lexicography, using corpora and dictionaries to document meanings and usages. Online resources, slang dictionaries, and crowd-sourced lists capture ongoing changes, though reliability and accuracy can vary.

Overall, slang constitutes a dynamic component of language that reflects social change, identity, and creativity. Its study helps illuminate how language evolves in response to culture and technology.