Slang

Paper Summary:

The paper first tries to define slang and looks at its different characteristics such as level of informality. It discusses how it cannot be equated with words such as jargon and lingo. It also gives examples of certain types of slang such as French verlan and Cockney rhyming slang.

From the Paper:

"Nevertheless, the most prominent characteristic of slang seems to be its level of informality. This is actually the first connotation borne by the noun itself. I remember when I bought my very first English slang dictionary. The cover was depicting the 'ghetto' as it were, with a wall daubed with graffiti. The power of the image is such that it forces meaning - subjective connotations in fact - on you, thus depicting slang as the language of the street and making it an urban phenomenon, typical of 'bad' areas. But then, don't they use slang words in the countryside? Slang is actually a style category within the language, occupying an extreme position on the spectrum of formality: it is made up of highly informal words that constitute a deviation from standard language. As mentioned above, it seems to defy established forms and constituted authorities. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andrews, George, A Dictionary of Slang and Cant Languages. London: Smeeton, 1809.
• Baker, Paul, Polari - The Lost Language of Gay Men. London; New York: Routledge, 2002.
• Coleman, Stanley Jackson, Dialects, Jargon and Slang. Douglas: Folklore Academy, 1962.
• Hotten, John Camden, The slang dictionary; or The vulgar words, street phrases, and "fast" expressions of high and low society. Many with their etymology, and a few with their history trace. London: J.C. Hotten, 1864.
• Munro, Pamela (ed.), UCLA Slang 4. Los Angeles, Calif. : Dept. of Linguistics, U.C.L.A., 2001.

More papers on Slang:

• Analytical Essay # 138519 : "Significance of Slang in London"
• Essay # 69816 : "Slang and Social Context"
• Essay # 35372 : "Slang"
• Research Paper # 2443 : "Slang,Youth Subcultures and Rock Music"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: