Slang – Definition and Part of Speech
Slang refers to a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are informal, often specific to particular groups or cultures, and not usually accepted as part of standard vocabulary. It’s typically used for casual communication and can rapidly evolve with trends in popular culture, technology, or social media.
Part of Speech
- Slang is primarily a noun but can also be an adjective when describing language (e.g., slang words).
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colloquial | Language used in everyday conversation, often informal. | “His use of colloquial language made the presentation relatable.” | Informal/Casual |
| Jargon | Special words or expressions used by a particular profession or group that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. | “The IT specialist was using too much jargon in his explanation.” | Professional/Technical |
| Vernacular | The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region or country. | “The novel captured the vernacular of Southern America beautifully.” | Academic/Literary |
| Argot | A special language used by various groups to prevent outsiders from understanding, often with a secretive or exclusive connotation. | “Gang members communicated using their own argot.” | Informal/Specific Subculture |
| Cant | Archaic term for slang; speech peculiar to a particular group, usually with an implication of being secret or coded. | “The thieves used cant to conceal the details of their plans.” | Historical/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Colloquial: Best used when discussing informal language typical in casual conversations across various regions. It’s less about specific groups and more about general everyday speech.
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Jargon: This synonym fits well in professional or technical contexts where specialized language is necessary for precision. However, excessive use can alienate those outside the field.
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Vernacular: Suitable when referring to regional dialects or expressions used by local populations. It’s often discussed in academic settings, especially within linguistics and literature studies.
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Argot: Appropriate when describing the exclusive language of specific subcultures like street gangs, prisoners, or other close-knit groups. It implies a level of secrecy and exclusivity.
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Cant: An older term that can be used to give a historical or literary flavor when discussing languages meant to exclude outsiders.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion is between jargon and slang. While both involve specialized language, jargon is specific to professions (e.g., medical terms), whereas slang is more about informal group-specific expressions without the necessity of professional context. Additionally, while vernacular and dialects are often similar, vernacular can refer more broadly to everyday spoken language beyond regional specifics.
Final Recap
In summary, slang and its synonyms—colloquial, jargon, vernacular, argot, and the archaic cant—each have unique nuances that make them suitable for different contexts. Colloquial is best for everyday informal language, jargon for professional terminology, vernacular for regional dialects, argot for exclusive subcultural languages, and cant for historical or literary settings.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by incorporating them into writing exercises or conversation to appreciate their distinct usages further. For instance, try creating sentences that include each synonym in its most typical context or discussing the different kinds of language used among various groups you encounter daily. This will help solidify your understanding and ability to use these words effectively.