What Is Slang?

Slang—those informal, colorful expressions that spice up our conversations—has been part of language for centuries. But what exactly counts as slang, and how has it evolved from historical usage to today’s digital expressions?

What Is Slang, Exactly?

Slang refers to highly informal language not considered standard in a language. These expressions typically emerge within specific social groups before potentially spreading wider. Slang creates group identity, establishes social bonds, and often provides ways to discuss taboo topics. It’s characterized by creativity, playfulness, and typically a short lifespan—many terms fade as quickly as they appear.

Early Examples of Slang

Slang isn’t new. In 16th century England, criminals developed “thieves’ cant”—a secret language with terms like “cove” (man) and “ken” (house) to avoid detection by authorities. By the 18th century, Francis Grose’s “A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue” (1785) documented London’s street language, preserving words like “bubble” (to cheat). Victorian-era university students created terms like “swot” (to study hard), while 19th century American frontier life gave us “sawbones” (doctor) and “greenhorn” (inexperienced person).
The 1920s jazz culture introduced “cool,” “hip,” and “cat” (stylish person), while post-WWII teenage culture popularized “square” (conventional person) and “pad” (home).

Digital Age Slang

The internet revolution fundamentally changed how slang develops and spreads. No longer confined to geographic locations, slang can now go global almost instantly. Early internet slang included abbreviations like “LOL” (laugh out loud) and “BRB” (be right back)—practical shortcuts for text-based communication that have since become verbal expressions as well.

Gen Z Slang: Digital Natives Reshape Language

Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z has created distinctive slang heavily influenced by social media platforms. Their slang emphasizes efficiency and emotional expression, often with an ironic tone. Popular terms include “slay” (to do something impressively), “main character energy” (acting as if you’re the protagonist), and “no cap” (no lie). Phrases like “it’s giving…” describe a vibe or essence, while “living rent-free in my head” refers to persistent thoughts. “Understood the assignment” indicates perfect execution of a task.

Gen Alpha Slang: The Newest Language Innovators

Generation Alpha—born after 2010—are developing their own slang in an even more digital environment than Gen Z. Their expressions emerge primarily through platforms like YouTube Kids, Roblox, and TikTok. Terms like “sus” (suspicious), “skibidi” (from a viral video series), and “rizz” (charisma) are favorites. Their slang often incorporates sound effects and references to digital characters, reflecting their immersion in gaming and online content.

Why Slang Matters

Slang offers a window into cultural values and social change. Each generation’s slang innovations reflect their unique experiences and worldview. For language learners, understanding slang aids cultural integration. Linguists value slang as a laboratory for language evolution—words like “cool,” “jazz,” and “mob” all began as slang before becoming mainstream. The next time you hear an unfamiliar expression that sounds “extra” or “based,” you’re witnessing language evolution in real time—a process that has been ongoing for centuries and will continue as long as humans communicate with each other.

This article was created with the assistance of AI.