In your opinion, what role does slang play in everyday life of a common man?

Illustrate with examples.

We encounter slang on a daily basis, whether it’s through spoken word, text
messages, social media posts, or the slang-ridden Internet. There is no doubting the
prevalence of slang in our everyday conversations and interactions, however what
I’m interested in is discovering what role slang plays in our everyday lives. Why do
we use slang? What does it achieve? In other words, I want to know the function of
slang. Many people view slang in a negative way, and even consider people who use
it heavily stupid, uneducated, or lazy. I, however, think there’s more to slang than
what meets the eye, and in the following, I will attempt to illustrate the significance
and function of slang.

Slang is known as “very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is

characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than
ordinary language” (“Slang”). Linguists have struggled to clearly define slang, but
what they have come up with so far is that slang is “a linguistic phenomenon ever
present and consistently changing” (“Slang”). Linguists Bethany K. Dumas and
Jonathan Lighter claim that if words and phrases meet the following criteria then
they are considered slang: “1. Its presence will markedly lower, at least for the
moment, the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing; 2. Its use implies the
user’s special familiarity either with referent or with that less statusful or less
responsible class of people who have such special familiarity and the use of the term;
3. It is a tabooed term in ordinary discourse with persons of higher social status or
greater responsibility; 4. It is used in place of the well-known conventional synonym,
especially in order (a) to protect the user from the discomfort caused by the
conventional item or (b) to protect the user from the discomfort or annoyance of
further elaboration” (Dumas & Lighter 14-15). This is the most concise definition of
slang I came across, and I believe it covers every possibility of what can be
considered slang. It also implies situations where slang is used, which will be helpful
in starting to understand the function of slang. Some examples of common slang
words and phrases that are used today are “extra” (used when someone is going over
the top in a situation), “salty” (used to describe someone that is angry or bothered),
or “throw shade” (to insult someone).

Before considering the function of slang, it is necessary to consider the significance

of language in general. I think the following aspects of language can be directly
translated to slang and used to explain the importance of slang, seeing as slang is an
integral part of language, and it is a form of language. Anca Sirbu explains that
“language is essentially a means of communication among the members of
society” and that “common language is the one of the most important features of a
community” (Sirbu 1). Furthermore, she states that language is “a tool that conveys
traditions and values related to group identity” (Sirbu 1). Seeing as Sirbu talks about
language in relation to society, community, and groups, indicates that language has
a far greater significance within a group than it does on an individual level. The fact
that language is related to group identity is extremely important to consider when it
comes to slang, because slang has a strong association with groups. Professor of
Linguistics, D.W. Maurer, explains how:

When an individual applies language in a new way to express hostility, ridicule,

or contempt, often with sharp wit, he may be creating slang, but the new expression
will perish unless it is picked up by others (Maurer 1).

It can be concluded that slang only emerges if it is used by a group. Once groups
have acquired certain words or phrases, and start using them to communicate with
other members of the group, those certain words and phrases will become more
known and popular.

Slang is also connected to the identity of a group. As Sirbu says, language is a

conveyor of a group’s tradition and values, and Mauer explains that if a creator of a
slang expression/word “is a member of a group that finds his creation projects the
emotional reaction of its members toward an idea, person, or social institution, the
expression will gain currency according to the unanimity of attitude within the
group” (Mauer 1). The fact that slang will only “gain currency” within a group if it
matches their attitude is an indicator that slang can be used to express the identity of
a group. An example of this can be found in any new generation. As generations
come and go, so do certain phrases and words, but there is a reason that slang
associated with one generation, is usually not found in the next. Daily Arts writer
Sam Rosenberg reminds readers that in the 1950s, “an age swept up in conservative
values, young people used “swell” as their very own colloquialism” (Rosenberg).
The 1950’s followed WWII, and people were doing their best to recuperate. They
had hope for the future and were “content, but many others felt ill at ease because of
the speed at which the world was changing” (Shmoop). In order to cope and mask
their troubles, people “embraced religion and visited psychiatrists in unprecedented
numbers” (Shmoop). “Swell” doesn’t exactly mean that everything is just perfect
and amazing but rather that things are okay. I think the fact that “swell” was
commonly used during this era, shows that life wasn’t particular the best it could be
and there was some troubles, but it also wasn’t as bad as it was during the war, so
things were simply fine. Since people in the 50s were trying desperately to distract
themselves with things like therapy, and religion and pretend that everything was
okay, it makes sense that people were going around telling each other that everything
was just “swell”.

With the change of times, came the change of slang words. During the “lively era”
of the ‘80s and the “grunge scene” of the ‘90s, words like “cool,” “groovy,”
“wicked,” and “sweet,” became popular (Rosenberg). The new slang words used in
the ‘80s and ‘90s expressed the newfound identity of the generation. It was a livelier
generation, and therefore the slang words associated with the generation
were livelier and more creative. The 70s saw a surge in the Rock and Roll Genre as
well as Disco music which “prompted the opening of hundreds of dance clubs
around the country,” and “people became free thinkers, questioning government and
demanding that their voices be heard” (“70s Culture”). No longer were people
pretending everything was okay, they were fighting back, speaking their mind, and
pushing against conservative ways. Their livelier demeanor can be seen through the
slang terms they used. “Cool” and “groovy” are far more livelier words
than “swell” is, because they are more enthusiastic in their definitions; they’re a way
of saying something is awesome or excellent. People used “cool” and “groovy” to
express genuine interest in something. The 90s are known for being ridden with lust,
sex, and drugs, which suggests that people during this era were completely going
against conservative values, and weren’t concerned with what was considered
morally right during the time. It only makes sense then that “wicked” became a
popularly used slang term, seeing as it means evil or morally wrong. Since the 80s
and 90s weren’t as conservative as the previous generations, the slang words
associated with the previous generations were no longer an accurate representation
of the new one. Therefore the old slang expressions disappeared, and new ones
that did match the attitude and expressed the generation’s collective identity
formed.

While the above example shows slang’s role in a groups expression of identity, it
also exemplifies how slang can be an expression of modernity. Modernity can be
thought of as “the self-definition of a generation”, as well as up-to-date and
contemporary times— not to be confused with the Modern Era (Snyder). I consider
technology to be a good example of Modernity. It is constantly evolving, adapting
to contemporary times, and it also defines generations. The 80s will always be
remembered for the Walkman, the 90s for the Web, and the 2000s for the iPhone.
Similarly, slang is always up-to-date with the times, and as we’ve established it also
aids in expressing the identity of a generation. Since generations acquire and form
slang that expresses aspects of their generation, I believe that slang is in fact part
of a generation’s “self-definition”, and thus slang can be a representation
of modernity. Modernity is constantly changing due to its relation to present times,
just as slang is constantly changing, because it too, is related to present times.
Conversely, modernity is not antiquated; it’s a “departure from traditional styles or
values” and the remote past (“Modernity”). This can directly translate to slang,
because slang deviates from the past and goes against traditional styles and values.

One instance where slang expresses modernity and is used to go against traditional
styles is in 1954, during the “postwar years” (Fisher 1). During the Royal Tour of
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, a controversy occurred when the Queen
reportedly said the phrase “‘this must have cost a packet’” after she was gifted a
diamond and brooch at a state dinner (Fisher 1). “Cost a packet” is a phrase used in
British English, which means to “cost a lot”. In other words, the Queen
was expressing that her gift must have been very expensive. Seeing as this was a
slang phrase, many people were shocked that the Queen, the epitome of tradition,
would use this expression. An Australian magazine called The Argus responded to
this controversy by assuring people that “she had said it, and further noted that ‘she
is a young woman, modern in her outlook, and, naturally enough, given to using the
phrases and expressions of the one for a young women to use’” (Fisher 1). In this
incident, the Queen’s slang use is being connected to modernity, and the magazines
response is suggesting that a modern outlook can be achieved by using slang.
Additionally, the positive tone of the response implies that the magazine is
encouraging young woman to use slang phrases and expressions. In other words, the
magazine is encouraging the idea of women deviating from traditional styles, in this
case traditional vernacular, by using slang.

Apart from the incident with the Queen, and in addition to slang expressing
modernity, slang also played an integral part in liberating women and giving them a
voice during the postwar years. Slang words during this time mainly referenced
“male experiences”, such as “grazing, the gold rush, bush life, sport, gambling and
the military” (Fisher 1). Women were predominantly excluded from slang
references, and slang use in general (Fisher 1). They were expected to be “guardians
of correct speech”, and were looked down upon if they used any informal language
(Fisher 2). However, in the 1940’s, “the emergent teenage culture provided a new
space for girls to use slang terms along with boys” (Fisher 2). Slang started being
associated with teenagers, and magazines started using slang in order to address
teenagers. Eventually, “more respectable publications” started using slang to address
the youth, “which indicated that teenage culture had become mainstream and that
the use of colloquial language was seen as a normal part of adolescence” (Fisher 2).
The emergence of teenage culture and the acceptability of their slang use made it
more acceptable for middle-class women to use slang. Slang “came to be considered
an important part of speech” which was “a significant aspect of performing modern
middle-class femininity”, and it was “promoted and reinforced by women’s
magazines” (Fisher 3). One particular magazine took things a step further and
encouraged women to make their own slang terms, saying “women must use their
own brands of today’s English, not copy the ones men have developed for
themselves” (Fisher 3). Women reacted to these magazines by sending in letters, and
“the letter pages of women’s magazines were a space within which readers could
formulate a distinctive identity as modern middle class women through their use
informalities and colloquialisms” (Fisher 3). More importantly, “the language used
in these letters therefore worked to create an imagined community amongst readers,
which evoked the kinds of conversations women could have over their fences or in
their living room” (Fisher 3). The magazines started a conversation among Women,
and encouraged them to take control of their femininity, and fight against the belief
that women should not use slang. Through these letters and the ongoing conversation
between women that was evoked by the magazine, new slang words were
created by women that expressed women and their experiences. Slang words like
“wifey, coz (cousin)…girlie (daughter), only (only child), hubby, sonny, and Miss
Pious”, were created (Fisher 4). These slang words evolved from the stories women
told about their everyday life and experiences in the letters that they sent in to the
magazines. Women were able to use slang to break through standards, and to liberate
themselves from traditional styles. Additionally, by creating their own terms and
expressions, slang enabled women to have a voice and use language that represented
women, and to finally bring femininity to Australian English. This example shows
how slang can liberate a group: by differentiating them from other groups, and giving
them their own unique voice.

Now that we’ve seen what slang can do for a group collectively, it’s important to
consider what slang can do for members of a group. Consider once more Sirbu’s
claim: “common language is the one of the most important features of a
community” (Sirbu 1). Sirbu specifically says a common language is of great
importance within a community, in that it’s the fact that a community has a language
that everyone understands, that makes language a significant part of a community;
it provides a commonality between groups of people. I think slang can be considered
a “common language” within a group, because each group has particular slang words
and expressions that is common in their group, and that all members understand.
Considering slang is a common language within a group it can then be deduced from
Sirbu’s claim about common language; that slang in an important feature of a
community.

An example of where slang proves to be an important feature of a community/group

is on college campuses. Just as it differs from group to group what particular slang
they use to communicate with each other, every college campus has slang particular
to their own campus. A study on campus slang found that in order for students to
effectively communicate with each other and cooperate with each other, “the first
important thing is to speak one common language, that is, campus slang” (Wang 4).
A group can have more of an understanding for each other when they use a common
language such as slang, which in turn increases the level of communication and
cooperation. My personal research resulted in similar findings, with 60% of
respondents saying slang can be used for agreeability between individuals, and
establishing friendliness between one another. Slang offers commonality to a group
or community, and establishes the similarities between members of a
group, therefore increasing the cohesiveness of a group.

Another finding during the study on campus slang was that members use slang
simply because it’s fun and creative. The study explains that because the formation
of slang entails creating new words, and new meanings out of words, that slang
provides college students with “more space for the imagination and
creativity” (Wang 3). Similarly, Professor of English and studier of slang Michael
Adams says, “There is creative value in the creation of new language among
different social groups” (Adams). Surprisingly, only 3% of respondents to
my survey said that slang is used in order to be creative. I believe this response is
due not to the fact that people don’t think slang is creative, but rather that people
don’t use slang with the conscious purpose of being creative, or being seen as
creative. It is without question that creativity is strongly associated with slang,
because the formation of slang entails innovative, creative, and original thinking.

Another important factor about slang is that it is often times found in humorous
situations, and usually used to convey humor, lightheartedness, and casualness.
While observing a particular conversation between three young women over the
social media app Facebook, I noticed that the intention behind the majority usage of
slang was to be humorous. Consider the following interaction between three
members of a group chat:
Person 1: (Persons name), shut the fuck up what r u trying to do

Person 2: (Person’s name), you need to chill

Person 3: ahahahahah damn didn’t mean to start beef

The term “start beef”, is a humorous way of saying “to have a grudge with another
person” (“Beef”). In this example, slang is used to alleviate the tension in the
conversation by inserting humor. Consequently, it makes the conversation more
lighthearted. If Person 3 had answered something like, “I apologize, I did not mean
to start a problem between you two”, it would just add to the seriousness of the
conversation and most likely increase tension. In addition to my observations, the
survey I posted resulted in 58% of respondents saying slang makes conversations
and situations more humorous. Humor aids in making a conversation more casual,
and makes situations more relaxed. Therefore, I think the presence of humorous
slang allows individuals to let their guard down. This relates with my own research,
where 73% of respondents said that slang makes conversations more casual and
relaxed. The combination of the humor and casual tone that can be achieved by using
slang takes away any stiffness and tension in a situation.

A specific example of how slang can be used to make conversation more casual is
in regards to talking about taboo subjects. Slang “serves to change the level of
conversation from formal to informal, allowing users to handle awkward social
situations. Slang is often used to discuss semi-taboo subjects, such as: drunkenness,
sexual organs and activities, drugs and drug use, ‘elimination’ and ‘bodily
waste’” (Hess). While I believe that slang can make awkward conversations easier
to navigate because it takes away some formality from the conversation, I also think
it makes it easier to talk about the above taboo subjects because completely new
names are given to them. That way people can talk about taboo subjects without ever
directly needing to say taboo terms. For example, it’s a lot easier to casually talk
about genitalia by using slang words, rather than using the scientific terms. What
way would you find it more comfortable to ask a friend about drunkenness: How
intoxicated are you currently? Or, how hammered are you? I’m guessing the latter,
because it allows you to ask about a taboo subject without explicitly needing to say
anything. Additionally, an overwhelming 82% of respondents to my survey agree
that slang makes it easier to discuss the taboo subjects stated above. Considering all
this information, I think slang acts to take away stress associated with formal
situations, which in turn relaxes individuals, and makes communication easier, and
more casual.
It is clear that slang is extremely complex, and has a significant role in our daily
lives, as well as significance in what it does for our daily lives. There are many
important functions of slang, some subtle and some obvious. I see no reason to
believe that slang use entails laziness, stupidity, or for lack of a better
term, uneducated. In fact, I believe individuals should be impressed with what slang
can achieve. My ultimate belief about slang is that it is an impressively powerful
tool that we use to break barriers between one another. Consider once more the
women during the post-war years who used slang to break the barriers between
themselves and men through the use of colloquial language, or the conversation
between the three girls where slang was used to break barriers by cutting the tension
and inserting some lightheartedness in the situation, and also the fact that slang
allows people to break barriers by enabling them to talk about awkward subjects in
a casual way. Additionally, the fact that slang establishes agreeability and
friendliness with one another, takes away tension in situations, and allows us to
cooperate with one another, further proves how slang is used in order to break
barriers.