Definition and Pronunciation
Slang (pronounced: /slæŋ/) is a type of informal language made up of words, phrases, or expressions that are often playful, trendy, or used only in certain groups (like young people, professionals, or subcultures). Slang usually isn’t considered “standard” English but is widely used in casual conversation.
Easy Explanation
Slang is the “cool” or “street” language that people use in everyday talk, not in formal writing. It changes quickly—what is slang today may sound old tomorrow.
Grammatical Formation
- Noun: slang (uncountable, though sometimes used in plural: slangs)
- Verb: to slang (rare, means to speak abusively)
- Adjective: slangy (informal, casual)
Word Comparisons
- Slang vs. jargon: jargon is technical language of a profession; slang is informal and playful.
- Slang vs. idiom: idioms are fixed expressions with hidden meaning; slang is more flexible and trendy.
- Slang vs. colloquialism: both are informal, but slang is trendier and often group-specific.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Slang for: shows meaning (“bucks” is slang for dollars).
- Slang in: identifies the group (slang in the music industry).
- Slang of: the informal language of a group (the slang of teenagers).
Real-Life Examples
- “Cool” is slang for “good.”
- In internet slang, “LOL” means “laugh out loud.”
- Prisoners developed their own slang to communicate secretly.
- “Ghosting” is modern slang for cutting off communication suddenly.
Synonyms
informal language, street talk, argot, lingo, colloquial speech, cant
Antonyms
formal language, standard English, proper language, official speech
Related Terms
- Colloquial – everyday spoken language.
- Dialect – regional variation of language.
- Jargon – technical or professional terms.
- Neologism – newly coined word, often entering slang first.
Common Collocations
- teenage slang
- internet slang
- slang expression
- street slang
- American/British slang
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- In slang terms: speaking informally.
- Slangy style: overly informal speech.
Sample Sentences
- He used so much slang that his grandmother didn’t understand him.
- “Bae” is slang for a romantic partner.
- Internet slang evolves rapidly, with new words appearing daily.
- Shakespeare himself invented slangy phrases that later became mainstream.
Connection to Sexuality
Slang often includes sexual terms, sometimes playful (hook up), sometimes crude (getting laid). Sexual slang is one of the fastest-changing parts of language, reflecting cultural attitudes toward intimacy and taboos.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.