slang
1 of 2nounlanguage or expressions distinctive to a particular social, professional, or cultural group
- Teenagers often develop their own slang.
- The film accurately portrayed the slang of sailors.
- Legal slang is sometimes difficult for outsiders to understand.
- He learned the slang of his new workplace quickly.
- Regional slang can differ widely within a country.
words or expressions that are very informal and more common in spoken form, used especially by a particular group of people, such as criminals, children, etc.
C1Learn more on WikipediaSlang is a type of informal language that consists of words, phrases, or expressions that are often specific to a particular group, subculture, or community. Slang terms can change quickly and may not be understood by people outside of the group. It is commonly used in casual conversation and can convey a sense of identity, belonging, or cultural connection among speakers. Slang often reflects current trends, attitudes, and social issues, making it dynamic and adaptable. While it can add flavor and personality to language, slang is typically not used in formal writing or speech.
- Teenagers often use slang like 'lit' to describe something that is exciting or excellent, which may not be easily understood by older generations.
- In the 1920s, 'the bee's knees' was popular slang for something outstanding or extraordinary.
- Internet slang such as 'LOL' (laugh out loud) and 'BRB' (be right back) has become widely recognized and used in online communication.
- Skaters have their own slang, with terms like 'gnarly' to describe something impressive or 'shredding' to refer to skilled skateboarding.
- The slang term 'cop' is commonly used to refer to a police officer, originating from the verb 'to cop,' meaning to capture or arrest.