Why do people use slang words

It may turn out that the newer lowkey can be traced back to a particular demographic, revealing something about the flow and tug of culture and language. Much American slang has gone mainstream after being invented by African Americans.

And slang terms are often used to forge bonds in subcultures, as well as in-crowds and youth. The history of a word like cool , for one, is not just about a gap between generations but representation and appropriation. He suspects the term, which is used to mean perfect or on point, originally comes out of drag-queen culture — perhaps suggesting something is so shockingly good that it warrants the expression one would make if a wig were snatched off their head. Per Green, the earliest known slang was used among criminal groups centuries ago, as a way to keep their communication from being understood by authorities.

Slang can be mean and uncaring and disgusting. It can also bind people and define the boundaries of the gang. We want to put our arms around each other, as an element of self-defense. Nothing is more damaging to status in the group than using old slang. Counterculture or counter-establishment groups often find a common vocabulary unknown outside the group a useful way to keep information secret or mysterious. Slang is typically cultivated among people in society who have little real political power like adolescents, college students, and enlisted personnel in the military or who have reason to hide from people in authority what they know or do like gamblers, drug addicts, and prisoners.

For a slang to retain its vitality and social purchase, it needs to be continuously evolving. This is true of all language but particularly so of countercultural slangs.

The jargons associated with certain professions and activities, like the varieties of slang featured so far in this section, serve to reinforce a sense of group identity. What does Nigel White focus on in his description of the language of the different sectors he mentions? In the next part of this section you will look more closely at how language is used in the workplace and at what point specialist terminology becomes jargon.

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. Take a look at all Open University courses. If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module , or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification.

Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information. Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released. Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. Request an Open University prospectus As a matter of fact, English slang started as language used mostly by criminals in 16th and 17th century England and developed primarily in saloons and gambling houses.

School children at this time were taught that using slang was taboo and improper, but children will be children and innately want to do what is forbidden. So, slang began making its way amongst the youth. During the post-World War I era, society gained new attitudes about slang and there was now a demand for slang in entertainment, mass media, and fiction. Today, slang is embedded in our culture and people use it everyday even though they might not realize they are using it.

But not all US slang is universal either. Different slang is used amongst different cultures, popular interests, occupations or where you live. For example, I used to work at a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains and all the skiers had their own slang, which was only known amongst skiers.

This happens as people seek to express themselves in new, creative ways. Slang allows people to be funny, clever, different, shocking, friendly, or even secretive. Over the past couple of decades, many slang words have come from three specific sources.

These are popular music, politics, and the Internet. Popular music, especially rap and hip hop , has led to many slang words. Lyricists contribute by coming up with more creative ways to express themselves. Politics has also given rise to numerous slang words. In large part, this is due to how divided people seem to be over major issues. For better or worse, words such as snowflake , woke, and triggered have taken on new meanings.

Often, this is thanks to constant bickering before, during, and after election cycles. Perhaps the biggest source of slang words, however, is the Internet.

Sometimes, this happens due to the changing nature of technology itself selfie, anyone? The Internet inspires more new slang words than anything else. It also helps those words to enter our minds and change our language more rapidly than ever before.

The Internet and social media can help a new slang word pop up and be known worldwide in a matter of weeks, if not days. What kind of slang do you use? When you think about it, you might realize many of these words come out when you speak. Spend some time today comparing the slang you use with words the adults you know used at your age.

Are you ready to engage in some wordplay? Be sure to check out the following activities with a friend or family member:. Hi, Alex! Slang is actually used because people seek to express themselves in new, creative ways, and it allows people to be creative in communicating with others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

HI, Jonathan! You bring up a great point: slang is changing all the time!! And, thanks to the internet, it's changing even faster! What are some new slang words that are popular? Great question, Kimberly!

People use slang words to express themselves creatively, and over time, this language evolves! We're sorry to hear that, j. Hi, Ryan! We're real people, and we appreciate the 'thank you! How did your study about the south go? We're thrilled that you are thinking critically about the use of slang words, Jacqueine!

You're right - slang words are very informal. If you are applying for a job or going to an interview, we wouldn't recommend using slang words! Hi, Lu!!