slang
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
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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