Preview

Are You Down with Slang?

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1070 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Are You Down with Slang?
Are You Down With Slang?

The English language is one of the most diverse if not the most diverse language in the world. It is spoken in many countries and spoken with different dialects within those countries. Ranging from different pronunciations to completely different meanings for words. Flip-flops in America are known as thongs in Australia and tap in Britain is a faucet in America. Each country also has its own form of slang that other English speaking countries may not understand. Slang in American English (as some call it) makes it difficult for a lot of people trying to learn the language. When it comes to slang many people have mixed feelings. Some would argue the is ruins the English language, that is takes away from its beauty by polluting it with nonsense. Others would say it is a good thing, that it shapes the language and keeps it up to date with our ever changing lifestyles. But without variations of slang would English still be the same? Would it still be this worldwide spoken language?
Slang is words or expressions that are used more socially amongst people. There is no exact origin of the word slang or when slang words first came around. In the Middle Ages there was no standardized language. Which led to different pronunciations and dialects amongst regions which could of led to the concept of slang. Slang usually forms within groups of people. You have computer slang and video gaming slang to name a couple. Noob in video gaming means someone who is new and no good at the particular game. Where LOL means “laugh out load” when instant messaging.
There are many pros and cons when it comes to slang. One problem that arises with slang is that it can get very confusing for those that do not know or understand it. Slang usually forms or stems within groups of people or clicks. So people who do not belong to those groups may not understand their terminology. Someone who is a electrical engineer wouldn't understand the lingo of someone that is a

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Slang – Within different social groups and communities there is a range of informal words and phrases that will not be found in the dictionary . It is important…

    • 142 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Kiduage Safire Summary

    • 225 Words
    • 1 Page

    In the article “Kiduage” the author, William Safire, explains superlatives or slang terms created by high-school and college students. The language used by students is replacing adjectives and verbs, such as, "really drunk"; with “hella crunk”. Slang terminology, is a constant trend within young adults. The author suggests, students main interest are about drinking and sex. Words such as, banging’, off the hook, tight, and whip are terms perceiving the students interest.…

    • 225 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many of us at one point in time have heard someone use some kind of jargon. In the essay, "She's Your Basic LOL" written by Perri Klass I actually learned why jargon is actually used. Of course in many situations the jargon can be differnet but the reason for the language is more than likely the same. I believe that jargon can be appropriate in many different situations. When in an emergency room atmosphere I can definitely see the importance as well as being a team member or coach for a sport. Jargon can also be appropriate in a work place environment.…

    • 648 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Slang Word Research Paper

    • 652 Words
    • 3 Pages

    For example, a Glock 9mm Compact gun slang name is Nine and Glockie, which refers back to the original name. Several other words that related back to the original name of a gun are Gat, Mac, and Gauge. The slang word Gat pertain to the Gatling gun, used in the olden days for war. MAC-11 was broken down into the slang word Mac, and Gauge originated from shotguns with different sized gauges. mEvidentially these words show that slang words has a source of origination.…

    • 652 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    In today’s African American community, many speak and use a different form of “standard” English. Ebonics is a form of English that was established by the early US slaves in search of a reliable means of communication. During slavery, there were laws which mandated that any person caught teaching a slave to read or write could be fined and/or put in jail. This left them to fend for themselves and create their own form of communication. As time has progressed, the Black slag, known as Ebonics, is recognized by many as a less sophisticated form of English. From a linguistics stand point, the use of this slang leads to a negative reflection on the people within the African American culture. And it should be noted, this can be said for any culture within a society’s norms for language. The use of Ebonics merely handicaps the African American society and limits their success and respectability among the educated world due to its negative connotations and…

    • 1307 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Shc 21 Answers

    • 2221 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Slang: Slang should not be used when communicating with service users or in formal communication, as it might seem unprofessional.…

    • 2221 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    This is “part of a apparently universal phenomenon that sociolinguists call covert prestige” (Savan 377). Most other nations in the world have declared a universal language and they still have covert prestige. Margaret Lee was quoted by Leslie Savan saying that “speakers of a “standard” language (whatever the language) have favorable attitudes toward lower-class, nonstandard speech forms… when new forms enter the mainstream, in fact, they usually come fro nonstandard speech” (Savan 337). When new words are brought into everyday speech they normally originated from slang. The word “bling” can now be found in the dictionary, meaning it is recognized as a word, but African American hip-hop artists first used it. This is just one example of how covert prestige is present in our…

    • 1156 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Bladadah Research Paper

    • 329 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The older generation needs to be informed on slang words so that they can be aware of what their children are involved in. Bladadah if understood could actually save a life if people knew what the younger generation was actually referring to such as if they are refereeing to a pistol or the laws don’t know the word, or if they are just referring to the way a person…

    • 329 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “Errything that I got, I got from slangin birds!” (2 Chainz). What does it mean to slang birds? As times change so does music and the culture around it. Times have been changing and creating a mold for what we now call pop music and rap. The pop culture and the pop music go hand and hand in these ever changing times. The youth that are growing up in society today are being exposed to new and distasteful music which it is having a negative effect on them. A lot more is allowed on radio and public broadcast than what used to be viewed as acceptable. This has made a negative shift in the culture of youth. Heavy factors for this are suggestive lyrics, scandalous videos, fashion among…

    • 1506 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    This is a type of verbal and informal communication that is normally used when talking to friends and family. Using slang can be effective when talking to the younger generation this…

    • 3491 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Their is also many different forms of language; first language as above it has been explained about first language this could be a problem for people that come from various backgrounds. Dialect is also a geographical community, this could be people that have a accent from Scotland, Yorkshire, London and more. Slang is also a use of , cutting long words short such as ‘’Hello’’ to ‘’Iya’’. These could also be phrases that aren’t found in a dictionary . Jargon are words that people would use that are…

    • 913 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Annotated Bibliography

    • 729 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Skinner, David. “REVIEW --- Ain 't This Good English? --- Do slang and vulgarity belong in the dictionary? A look at America 's greatest language controversy” Dow Jones & Company Inc, 2012, October 27. Retrieved November, 1 2014 from ProQuest on-line database…

    • 729 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Language is worldwide, but holds several different meanings and sounds that vary from one subculture to another. Kendall (2011) stated “Language is also a source of power and social control; language perpetuates inequalities between people and between groups because words are used (whether or not intentionally) to “keep people in their place.” Hip Hop uses a form of the English language that has become known as “Black English”, or “Ebonics”. According to Wikipedia (“Hip hop,” 2013), “Academics suggest its development stems from a rejection of racial hierarchy of language, which held “White English” as the superior form of educated speech.” I believe the Hip Hoppers were being different attempting to stand outside the box of language while avoiding social control. Punk uses the English language but like the Hip Hoppers in an effort to be different they accompany short and simple lyrics with loud and aggressive background music. Both subcultures use their music as voices to speak out against social injustices such as racism and poverty. The language within the Hip Hop and Punk subculture may slightly differ in dialect but carry the same agenda and reflect the way they…

    • 903 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The generational gap is a perfect example of how views changes throughout time. Slang is a perfect example of how a word that was already invented can now have a new definition and become popular in the human language. As humans creatures, it is one of our duties to explore the world like any other animal species and be open minded about other views that are out there because let's face it if every human thought the same, our world would literally be boring because there would be nothing interesting to elaborate on. It’s similar to food, there’s always the original flavor that a company comes out with first but then as the company starts to become popular they start to distribute different flavors to satisfy their variety of customers taste…

    • 339 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    and on the popular cite for slang words, Urban Dictionary, one of the definitions is as such;…

    • 285 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays