The Secret to Slang

This informative article touches on slang used throughout history, the reasoning behind slang, and how slang has managed to make an impact on social structure.

The Secret To Slang

By Hailie Zintzun

The origin of slang goes back further than one may realize. The term for informal common words started to be used significantly around the 1830s. Since then, decades have come and passed, each one bringing a slew of new slang. While the younger generations of today have gotten used to slang such as “rent-free,” “it’s giving,” and being in one’s own “era,” others of times passed still remember when their daily phrases included “got to blaze,” and being “too legit to quit.” It is fascinating to realize that each person grows with the words of their time, and how words can represent a specific decade. Slang can be easily overlooked as passing phases come with each new year. However, one should consider how slang contributes to the structure of language and social culture throughout time.

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Slang is somewhat of a mystery. Despite being a constant happening, it is uncertain why it is used or how the specific terms are brought to fruition. The reason for its existence has been explored by many, with varying perspectives on the intended purpose and meaning behind these phrases. Jonathan Green, or “Mister Slang,” told Time Magazine that “What Slang really does is show us at our most human.” That is to say, slang brings people together through shared experiences. This is similar to the effect of an “inside joke,” where those up-to-date with the social standings bond over the fact that specific slang will make little sense to an outsider listening in. CBS News Minnesota touched on this as well, consulting a senior editor at Merriam Webster, Emily Webster. Webster stated, “We use slang as a way to have a special form of communication with a subset of people. By using words that are only understood by a small group of people, there’s an intimacy that can develop.” It is quite a feat that such a strong connection between people can form from relating to shared phrases and terminology. Although this experience can be a positive in one’s life, it is important that one tries not to exclude others by making them feel “left out.” Simply put, it is never a bad idea to “let someone in the loop.” Keep in mind that not everyone is exposed to the same areas of language and social dynamics and, therefore, one person’s experience with slang might differ from another’s.

There have been many words that have slipped into slang throughout the years. In the 1920s, one might be called, “the real McCoy.” That is to say that a person is exceptionally genuine, what some may now call a “real one.” The 1930s has several slang terms that are an indication of what social life was like at the time. “Bumping Gums” was used to refer to having small talk that held no real prominence. This kind of slang, referring to the homestyle of the decade was also used in the following 1940s, where the common phrase, “keeping up with the Joneses,” was used to describe the competitive nature that often brewed between neighbors seeking to outdo each other. Some slang has been able to resurface. The word “drip” was also from the 1940s but, instead of being a compliment on one’s appearance, it was actually used as an insult for a person who was found to be rather a bore. It is interesting to realize how variations of slang have been adapted for the modern age. It might be a wise decision to pick one’s words carefully when being used around grandparents and older folk. After all, a slang phrase could hold an entirely different meaning to these populations than it does to younger individuals.

Slang had to rely on word-of-mouth for several decades before the internet was created. Nonetheless, the use of the internet has aided in fast-tracking the evolution of slang. Through social media platforms, memes, and even text, slang has found a way to thrive in this new technological world. With this advancement, the internet has also managed to spawn its own slang. As The Saturday Evening Post puts it, “The generation of the Internet also has its own slang, and it seems like there’s more of it every day. Some of it you can infer (“realness,” “basic,”) some of it is still getting argued over (“woke”) and some of it will be completely bewildering without help (“milkshake duck”).” Slang has found its way into dictionaries-- despite being known as more of a temporary, unofficial selection of terms. While it used to take thirty or more years for popular slang to find its way into the book, it now can happen at a faster pace of about ten years. The spread of slang also has benefitted from the creation of the internet. What used to take months to catch on now only takes a few days to be known across a wide variety of people. In many ways, the internet has helped keep slang alive and thriving.

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It is certain that slang has had quite a bit of influence on American English. It is believed that the youth of each generation is responsible for its success and yet, somehow, slang finds a way into being used commonly by politicians, journalists, celebrities, and other figures who desire to be “in with the times.” The creativity of American slang makes the next popular phrase unpredictable, which may be one of the reasons people are so drawn to slang. These fresh, new sayings are usually built on a feeling or phenomenon that is shared by a large group of people, which makes them present themselves as relatable. After all, it is rather reassuring to know that one is not only in their life experiences. Even so, not all people are in love with the idea of slang. The PBS article titled, “The Power of Slang” states, “On the other side of the fence, prescriptive guardians of standard English and morality bemoan slang’s “degrading” effect on public discourse and culture; their outcry further attests to slang’s persistent and powerful presence in everyday American English.” Even if there are those who are not in favor of it, slang manages to continue on. The fact that some are voicing their concerns about how it is influencing the English language is an indication of the true impact it has begun to have. For better or worse, slang is changing the structure of how communication will work in the future.

It is no secret that slang has and will continue to be a prominent factor in social structure, communication, and American culture. It marks the passage of time, the start and end of eras, and the beginning of a new way of speaking. Who is to say what the future holds for the slang of tomorrow? Whether it be a new word or the return of an older one, there is certainly a promising time ahead for slang.

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