English · Culture & Society
slang
/slæŋ/
[/slæŋ/]
informal casual language
Intermediatenoun
Definition
Very informal words and expressions used by a particular group or in casual speech. Slang often changes quickly and may not be understood by outsiders.
Example
Teenagers invent new slang so fast that their parents can barely keep up with it.
Teenagers invent new slang so fast that their parents can barely keep up with it.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first recorded in the 18th century, possibly from a dialectal word for 'language'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in casual speech and discussion of informal language.