slang¹ Definition
slang (slaŋ)
noun
- 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
- the specialized vocabulary and idioms of those in the same work, way of life, etc.: now usually called shoptalk, argot, jargon
- 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.
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
Browse dictionary entries near slang
- ‹ slanderous
- ‹ slander of goods
- ‹ slander
- ‹ slamming
- ‹ slammer
- ‹ slam-dunk
- ‹ slam dancing
- ‹ slam-bang
- ‹ slam
- ‹ slalom
- slangy ›
- slank ›
- slant ›
- slant rhyme ›
- slanting ›
- slantwise ›
- slap ›
- slap and tickle ›
- slap-bang ›
- slap down ›

