Slang is a vocabulary that belongs to an informal register and is frequently used in oral communication but is discouraged in official writing. It can also apply to language that is typically used only by members of specific in-groups to create a sense of group identification, keep out outsiders, or both. The term itself was created in the 18th century and has had several definitions since then.
Origin of the word "slang"
The word "slang" first appeared in print in 1756 and was used to describe the language of "low" or "disreputable" people. It was no longer just linked with dishonest persons by the early nineteenth century, but it was nevertheless used to describe usages that fell below the norm of educated discourse. As used by Aberdeen poet William Scott in 1832: "The slang gaed on abou' their war'ly care," it was slang for "talk, conversation, gossip." It denoted "impertinence and harsh language" in northern English.
Although its exact origin is unknown, it might have anything to do with thief cant. A Scandinavian origin has been suggested (compare, for instance, Norwegian slengenavn, which means "nickname"), however the Idiom Dictionary dismisses this based on "date and early connections." However, Jonathon Green concurs with the idea that the word may have a Scandinavian origin, proposing a root that is similar to the word sling, which means "to throw," and pointing out that slang is flung language—a quick and straightforward method to make your point.
Slang is a language that is used exclusively by members of the same social group who are close friends. The language of slang is quite informal. When applied to other people or when used outside of a close-knit community of individuals, it may offend some people. When conversing rather than writing, we frequently utilize slang. Although it might encompass lengthy statements and idioms, slang often pertains to specific words and meanings.
words or phrases that are slang or unusual but communicate something fresh or something old in a novel way. It may be lewd or obscene, and it is flippant, irreverent, and impolite. The aim of its vivid metaphors is typically respectability, and it is this concise, occasionally funny, and frequently impertinent societal critique that gives slang its distinctive flavor. Therefore, slang encompasses not just words but also words that are employed in a certain way in a particular social environment. The term "slang" has an ambiguous history; it originally appeared in literature about 1800 to describe the language of London's underworld and criminal classes. However, it's likely that the phrase was used much earlier.
Cant and jargon, which are synonyms for hazy, high-sounding, or technical and esoteric language that is not instantly understandable to the uninitiated, are other similar examples of nonstandard word usage. The specialized language of criminals, known in America more often as argot, is nevertheless referred to in England as "cant." The term "dialect" describes a language that is unique to a certain region or socioeconomic class.
Uses of Slang
Slang is used for a variety of things, but often it conveys an emotional attitude. When employed by various people, the same phrase can convey sentiments that are completely at odds with one another. Although many slang phrases are mostly disparaging when used with closeness or affection, they may also be ambiguous. Some foster identification with a class or in-group, while others help to solidify or support one's own self-image. Others may be employed by other individuals to have the opposite impact, but they flatter things, organizations, or people. The term "Jesus freak," which was first used to mock someone, was later adopted as a moniker by certain street evangelists. When used explicitly, slang can be offensive or shocking. Some phrases euphemize sensitive ideas, yet an overt or evident euphemism might breach taboos more successfully than a less polite term. Some slang terms, including "freak-out," "barn-storm," "rubberneck," and the noun "creep," are necessary since no other words in the English language communicate the same idea. On the other hand, a lot of terms with ambiguous meanings are employed just for fashion.
The Difference Between Idioms and Slang
What distinguishes idioms from slang, then? Idioms are a collection of words or phrases whose meaning cannot be inferred from their literal meaning. Slang, on the other hand, refers to words, phrases, or terms that are only used by a certain set of individuals. Despite their similarities, slang and idioms are two very separate things. Knowing the difference between the two enables you to expand your vocabulary and facilitate language acquisition. When there is an obvious difference between idiom and slang, the terms idiom and slang are sometimes used interchangeably as synonyms. Idiom and slang are actually two distinct phrases that should be treated differently. If you compare the phrases idiom and slang, you will discover that slang is a noun as well as a verb in the English language. Idiom, on the other hand, is merely a noun. Additionally, idioms date back to the late 16th century. Slang dates back to the middle of the 18th century.