noun
slang
SLANG/slæŋ/
Informal vocabulary used in casual speech or by particular groups.
The written example uses slang from informal conversation.
Etymology
In Liberman’s account, a delimited strip of land would become wandering tramps’ territory, then their camping ground, then its language. The word’s use later broadened from marginalized groups’ vocabulary to professional jargon and informal speech.
In context
… When we study argot, we learn how slang has evolved from secret group languages into the everyday words we …
More examples
- This dictionary explains common American slang.
- Avoid slang in a formal job application.
- The coach picks up slang from the players.
Forms
slangy adjective — Using or containing much informal vocabulary.
Similar words
- jargon
- Specialized vocabulary of a field, not necessarily informal.
- colloquialism
- A particular conversational expression rather than informal vocabulary collectively.