What Is Slang In The English Language?

Learning a new language is hard enough. When teaching, I mainly focus on formal English. There is also slang. What is slang in the English language?

There is a lot of it in Englsh and probably all, if not most languages

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You could argue that slang is a language unto itself.  It may seem as if there’s more of it than there is formal language. At least in spoken, conversational English, there is certainly a lot of it.

It’s so common that we probably take it for granted.

Because of that, it’s easy to see why someone who is trying to learn English might get or probably gets very confused trying to understand what the heck we’re talking about.

What Is The Definition Of Slang?

Dictionary.com defines it as follows:

1. very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language, as Hit the road.
2. (in English and some other languages) speech and writing characterized by the use of vulgar and socially taboo vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Personally, I define it as common language that is not formal, but is understood by those who use it.  Often, if not usually, it cannot or should not be taken literally.

For example, the example above, “hit the road” is a commonly used slang term in English that is widely understood but is not meant to be taken literally.

Someone who is learning English might think we’re crazy, that it means to use your hand or an instrument to literally hit the road.

It simply means to leave, or to get up and go somewhere.

Because there is so much slang, there are actually dictionaries that are devoted to defining slang terms.  One example is American Slang Dictionary.

Why Is It Important To Learn Slang?

Because slang is so prevalent in American English, by understanding the slang you hear and see, you will be better equipped to interact with those around you.

When speaking English with a native American English speaker, it is very likely that during the conversation, that person will utter a slang term.

To confuse the matter even more, it often depends on what part of the USA you are in, as to what slang terms mean. Yes, there are slang terms that are widely, if not always understood by all Americans, but that isn’t always the case.

For example, if I want a cabonated drink, like Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, or any other cola, if I’m in California, it’s common to ask for a soda.  In other parts of the country, it may be referred to as a pop or a soda pop.  Others may simply call it a coke, regarless of the brand.

In that example, probably anywhere you are in the USA, others will probably understand what you mean, but that is often not the case.

If I take a test and someone asks if I passed, if I got a 100% on the test, I could simply answer yes and say I got 100%.  However, it’s very common for someone to say they aced the test.  Ace is a slang term for getting all the answers correct.

The list of examples is endless.

Additionally, it’s important to understand the difference between what is considered formal and what is considered slang.  Furthermore, there is appropriate slang and taboo slang.

For example, if someone needs to use the rest room, it is proper to say they need to use the rest room.  There are many slang alternatives that can be used in its place.  Some are okay, others are considered rude, crude, or just plain unacceptable.

I won’t print the unacceptable alternatives here.

It’s important to understand your audience, where you are, and what is considered acceptable and unacceptable.

I’ve heard ESL students innocently use racial slang that is definitely not acceptable.  I’ve let them know in no uncertain terms that what they said was absolutely not acceptable and that it could actually get them hurt or killed if said at the wrong time around the wrong person/people.

When in doubt, it’s best to avoid slang and use formal language. It might be safer and it probably sounds better and/or looks better in print.

Where Is Slang Used?

In the USA, and probably everywhere else, slang is used in just about any and every way possible.

Aside from what is acceptable, unacceptable and what part of the country or area you are in, there are many different kinds of slang.

Lingo is another word for slang.  Lingo is a sort of language unto itself that is used and understood only by certain groups of people.  For example, sports lingo/slang is language used in sports groups.  There are many forms of professional lingo/slang that are specific to particular professions.

Street slang is probably the lowest form of slang, although also probably the most widely used and understood.  Some of it is acceptable.  Much of it is not.

Furthermore, there are many terms that have several, or at least more than one slang terms, some of which are acceptable.  Others are definitely not.

My example above about use of rest rooms is a good example of what I mean here.

Some slang that is widely, if not usually considered acceptable:

• All ears–It means someone is listening.
• Buck–a dollar (although it originated from a male deer–cool story, and how some slang orginates.)
• By the skin of your teeth–just barely
• Chill–relax
• Dead–when a place that is usually active is quiet, inactive, or empty
• Cold shoulder–to ignore someone
• Hit the books–study
• Lemon–a bad or defective purchase
• A piece of cake–easy or effortless
• Shoot the breeze–casual conversation

Some of the above examples have alternatives that are often or usually considered unacceptable.

I will let you do your own research about those.

When Is It Not A Good Idea To Use Slang?

There is not a simple answer to the question and it’s nearly impossible to not use some slang without realizing it.  As stated, it is so prevalent, that some people don’t even realize what is slang and what isn’t.

Having said that, in general, slang is often, if not usually different than formal language.  Using formal language is often an indication of one’s level of education.

Use of slang, especially in excess, is often an indication of one’s lack of educaiton.

On the other hand, as stated above, knowing what slang is appropriate for what audience is important.  In some cases, it may be better or best to use a lot of slang because it may be what is easier for your audience to understand and relate to.

However, in a job interview, unless the slang is specific to a particular profession or company, and of course unless you are absolutely sure it is acceptable to your audience/interviewer, it’s probably best to avoid using slang, and use formal language as much as possible.

If you are not familiar with your audience and you are clearly an outsider, especially if you don’t know what is considered appropriate and inappropriate, you’re probably better off to avoid using slang.

The bottom line is, if you know something is offensive, won’t be well received, or is just plain inappropriate/unacceptable, especially if it’s slang, I suggest not using it.

Slang can be helpful.  It can also be hurtful and disrespectful.

Knowing which is which is vital.

Let’s Put This To Bed

Yes, that’s slang for let’s end or conclude.

Slang is informal language, as opposed to formal language.  There is acceptable slang and there is unacceptable slang.

It is very common and nearly impossible to completely avoid it.  Knowing when and what is appropriate is important.

Sometimes, it’s better to use it.  Other times, it’s better if you don’t.

In any case, it’s important to at least understand slang terrms, if for no other reason than to be able to understand what is being said around you, as well as to know when and when not to use it.

What is slang in the English language is not always apparent.

If you have questions or comments, leave them in the box below.  I will promptly respond.

What is a favorite slang term you often use?

Keep your ear to the ground for more slang.