slang

¹

[ slang ]

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

verb (used without object)

1. to use slang or abusive language.

verb (used with object)

1. to assail with abusive language.

slang

²

[ slang ]

verb

, Nonstandard.

1. simple past tense of sling ¹.

slang

/ 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

verb

1. to abuse (someone) with vituperative language; insult

slang

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 .)

Usage Note

See informal.

Derived Forms

• ˈslangily, adverb
• ˈslangy, adjective
• ˈslanginess, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slang¹

First recorded in 1750–60; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of slang¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Livestreams hawking products to LGBTQ+ consumers may still present as queer, such as referring to a male host as “big sister,” or dancing with chrysanthemums in a nod to a Chinese slang term for some gay men.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair like to search other queer content for coded hashtags to use on their own account, such as “lala,” which is slang for “lesbian,” or the Chinese words for “roommates” or “besties.”

From Los Angeles Times

The buzzing sound of UAVs has been ubiquitous in Gaza since 2006, and drones are called zenana, an Arabic word referring to the sound using the slang term for a nagging wife.

From Salon

If the toxic mix of arrogance and certainty could be captured on film, it would look like the faces of Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The slang phrase, “I can’t even,” with its abrupt stop implying an expression of surprise or frustration, so perfectly fits the emergence of this “issue,” it’s as if the phrase was coined specifically with fluoride in mind.

From Salon

But now, it’s become adopted as IRL slang, used in any context, for any reason at all.

From Slate

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• lingo
• patois
• vernacular