Slang consists of words, expressions, and meanings that are informal and are used by people who know each other very well or who have the same interests.
Archie liked to think he kept up with current slang.
...a slang term.
Synonyms: colloquialisms, jargon, idioms, argot More Synonyms of slang
More Synonyms of slang
slang in British English
(slæŋ)
noun
1.
a.
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
b.
(as modifier)
a slang word
2. another word for jargon1
verb
3.
to abuse (someone) with vituperative language; insult
Derived forms
slangy (ˈslangy)
adjective
slangily (ˈslangily)
adverb
slanginess (ˈslanginess)
noun
Word origin
C18: of unknown origin
slang in American English1
(slæŋ)
noun
1. Obsolete
the specialized vocabulary and idioms as of criminals and tramps, the purpose of which was to disguise from outsiders the meaning of what was said
now usually called cant1
2.
the specialized vocabulary and idioms of those in the same work, way of life, etc.
now usually called shoptalk, argot, jargon1
3.
highly informal speech that is outside conventional or standard usage and consists both of coined words and phrases and of new or extended meanings attached to established terms: slang develops from the attempt to find fresh and vigorous, colorful, pungent, or humorous expression, and generally either passes into disuse or comes to have a more formal status
verb intransitive British
4.
to use slang or abusive talk
verb transitive British
5.
to address with abusive talk
Word origin
18th-c. cant < ?
slang in American English2
(slæŋ)
verb transitive
Dialectal, Archaic
sling1
Examples of 'slang' in a sentence
slang
The last thing he wants is another public slanging match.
The Sun (2006)
People addressed each other using their first names and used slang.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It was a slanging match with his wife and his manager.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Art history is spiced with constant slanging matches.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Most slang terms for other nations result from bafflement and disdain over different culinary habits.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
With the friendly slang to match.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The chief use of slang is to show you're one of the gang.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Here Green makes a helpful distinction between slang used by a group and slang used about it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He did not use slang much, unlike the others.
Leo McKinstry Sir Alf: A Major Reappraisal of the Life and Times of England's Greatest FootballManager (2006)
Also, some slang terms mean different things in different places.
Cohen, Julian & Kay, James Taking Drugs Seriously (1994)
They have language peppered with slang that has a lot to do with the 20th century.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Some say slang undermines language, lowers educational standards and damages the career prospects of young people.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
If people of supposed intellect are using lazy slang language, what hope have we got?
The Sun (2013)
All groups have their own slang, a language that shows the speaker is part of the tribe.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
FOR about as long as there has been money there have been slang terms for our notesand coins.
The Sun (2009)
Now I fully understand why merchant banker is used as rhyming slang!
The Sun (2009)
No, not the slang insult - actual underpants.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
These are typical of the made-up and slang terms :?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
After the public slanging match on Wednesday both sides withdrew to a tense stand-off yesterday to plot their next moves.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Which is why, minutes into the cordial opening scene of this play, it is clear proceedings will end in a slanging match.
The Sun (2008)
I chuck in slang, which people have to Google.
The Sun (2014)
In other languages
slang
British English: slang /slæŋ/ NOUN
Slang is words, expressions, and meanings that are informal and are used by people who know each other very well or who have the same interests.