Slang Definition

slăng
slangs
noun
slangs
A kind of language occurring chiefly in casual and playful speech, made up typically of coinages and figures of speech that are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness, humor, irreverence, or other effect.
American Heritage
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.
Webster's New World
The specialized vocabulary and idioms of those in the same work, way of life, etc.
Webster's New World
Language peculiar to a group; argot or jargon.
Thieves' slang.
American Heritage
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.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
verb
slangs
To use slang.
American Heritage
To use slang or abusive talk.
Webster's New World
To address with abusive talk.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World

(dated) To vocally abuse, or shout at.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Origin of Slang

  • Origin unknown

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • 1756, origin unknown.

    From Wiktionary

  • Compare sling.

    From Wiktionary

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