What is Slang?

There are varied definitions for slang. Slang can be described as relative and elusive, being hard to define as it encompasses the popular, the fashionable, the ease of reference and the obscene.

According to the dictionary of Language & Linguistics, slang is ‘a variety of speech characterized by the newly coined and rapidly changing vocabulary used by the young, social and professional groups for ‘in-group’ communication and thus tending to prevent understanding by most of the speech community. 

Slang is a very vibrant and ingenious vehicle of communication which reveals what is of importance and interest to a community. However, the most important aspect of slang is that it is language used below the level of stylistically neutral language. 

Here are five other characteristics of slang:

1. Typical of Informal Situations. It is the domain where its use is most expected and accepted and when used in formal situations signal change in relationships. 

2. It is Creative. The point of inventing slang words is to be startling, amusing, shocking, a creation that ensures that the new item stands out against the other, more ordinary lexical items. 

Current Jamaican Slang (2022)

3. Characterized by a short life span in a language if used too frequently, overtime they lose their impact and have to be replaced by fresh new words. (However some slang words do become everyday common words over time.)

4. Can be exclusive, acting as a wall between native speakers and outsiders. By choosing the right words one is able to signal which group they belong to. 

5. Is used by different groups at different stylistic levels. Some social groups use more slang than others.

Slang words and phrases are often ‘invented’ in keeping with new ideas and customs. They may also represent current trends and attitudes better than the more conservative items of the vocabulary. 

Take Aways

1. Slang is a set of expressions characteristic of informal speech.

2. Slang changes rapidly 

3. Slang often serves as a means of solidarity within a community and as a barrier or fence to outsiders.