slang Hear it!

slang¹ Definition

slang (slaŋ)

noun

  1. Obsolete the specialized vocabulary and idioms as of criminals and tramps, the purpose of which was to disguise from outsiders the meaning of what was said: now usually called cant
  2. the specialized vocabulary and idioms of those in the same work, way of life, etc.: now usually called shoptalk, argot, jargon
  3. highly informal speech that is outside conventional or standard usage and consists both of coined words and phrases and of new or extended meanings attached to established terms: slang develops from the attempt to find fresh and vigorous, colorful, pungent, or humorous expression, and generally either passes into disuse or comes to have a more formal status

Etymology: 18th-c. cant < ?

intransitive verb

to use slang or abusive talk

transitive verb

to address with abusive talk

slang² Definition

slang (slaŋ)

transitive verb

Dialectal, Archaic sling

slang Synonyms

slang

n.

cant, argot, colloquialism, dialect, neologism, pidgin English, vulgarism, vulgarity, pseudology, lingo, jargon, shoptalk, dog Latin, slanguage*, English as she is spoke*, Franglais*, Americanese*, Spanglish*; see also dialect, jargon 3, language 1. See syn. study at dialect.

slang Usage Examples

Object

match: I don't think anybody would advocate " heat " in the manner of a free for all slanging match on the forum.

Converse of object

  • rhyme: Dukes, of course, from the rhyming slang Duke of York, er, fork.
  • avoid: Write in a way that is easy to understand and avoid local slang or phrases.
  • use: In no time they'll be using net slang too LOL!
  • know: You don't need to know the slang, all you need to know is how the drugs affect them.

Adjective modifier

  • Australian: A: Jamaica Q: In Australian slang, what color hair would someone " blue " have?
  • American: I always thought ' so long ' was American slang.
  • Spanish: Books and audiocassettes teaching English, French, and Spanish slang.
  • French: It is told in part through the use of a cleverly translated version of French slang.
  • English: Luckily the title referred to the Danish term for language rather than the English slang for a child!

Modifies a noun

  • dictionary: Links UK - US slang dictionary May actually be of some use to exchange students.
  • expression: Cat Naval " The cat is out of the bag " Common slang expression, meaning " The secret is out " .
  • term: A slang term meaning ' lots of stuff ' .
  • phrase: The questions are based on semantic factors of spoken French, the user must choose the correct meaning to a slang phrase for example.
  • word: The name Fives is thought to derive from an old slang word for hands.
  • meaning: A slang term meaning ' lots of stuff ' .

Noun used with modifier

  • street: Basically, can be used in street slang for anything or anyone you don't really like.
  • prison: Note to self - must compile dictionary of prison slang.
  • Internet: Flame - Internet slang for an abusive e-mail or chatroom comment.

Browse dictionary entries near slang

  1. slanderous
  2. slander of goods
  3. slander
  4. slamming
  5. slammer
  6. slam-dunk
  7. slam dancing
  8. slam-bang
  9. slam
  10. slalom
  1. slangy
  2. slank
  3. slant
  4. slant rhyme
  5. slanting
  6. slantwise
  7. slap
  8. slap and tickle
  9. slap-bang
  10. slap down