Slang
is the use of highly informal words and expressions that are not
considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. It is very often
specific to a particular context or group. It is notable for its
liveliness, humour, emphasis, brevity, novelty, and exaggeration. Most
slang is faddish and ephemeral, but some words are retained for long
periods and eventually become part of the standard language. Slang is used
for many purposes, but generally it expresses a certain emotional attitude;
the same term may express diametrically opposed attitudes when used by
different people. Slang necessarily involves deviation from standard
language, and tends to be very popular among adolescents. To one degree or
another, however, it is used in all sectors of society. |