A Guide to Slang (When to Use it, Etc.)

Slang is a linguistic chameleon, constantly evolving and adapting to the cultural landscape. It's the rebellious cousin of formal language, often frowned upon in academic circles but celebrated in popular culture. For creative writers, understanding slang is crucial, whether you're penning dialogue for a gritty urban novel or crafting a historical piece set in the roaring '20s. This guide will take you on a journey through the world of slang, from its definition to its practical application in creative writing.

Defining Slang

Slang is informal language consisting of words and expressions that are considered nonstandard, often used by specific groups or subcultures. It's characterized by its:

1. Informality: Slang is casual and often considered inappropriate in formal settings.
2. Creativity: It often involves clever or playful use of language.
3. Transience: Slang terms can quickly go in and out of fashion.
4. Group identity: It can be used to establish social bonds or exclude outsiders.
5. Expressiveness: Slang often conveys more emotion or attitude than standard language.

The Evolution of Slang: A Generational Overview

Slang has evolved significantly over the decades, with each generation contributing its unique flavor to the linguistic mix. Here's a brief overview:

1920s-1930s (The Lost Generation)

• Example terms: "Cat's pajamas," "Bank's closed" (no kissing or making out)
• Cultural context: Prohibition era, jazz age

1940s-1950s (The Silent Generation)

• Example terms: "Daddy-O," "Cruisin' for a bruisin'"
• Cultural context: Post-war optimism, rise of youth culture

1960s-1970s (Baby Boomers)

• Example terms: "Groovy," "Far out"
• Cultural context: Civil rights movement, counterculture

1980s-1990s (Generation X)

• Example terms: "Rad," "As if"
• Cultural context: Rise of MTV, grunge culture

2000s-2010s (Millennials)

• Example terms: "Bling," "On fleek"
• Cultural context: Internet culture, social media

2010s-Present (Generation Z)

• Example terms: "Yeet," "No cap"
• Cultural context: Smartphone ubiquity, TikTok culture

Slang in Standard Dictionaries

Traditional dictionaries have long grappled with the inclusion of slang terms. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), for instance, has been incorporating slang since its inception in the 19th century. However, the process is selective and often delayed to ensure the terms have staying power.

Some slang terms that have made it into standard dictionaries include:

1. "Cool" (OED entry from 1933): Excellent, first-rate
2. "Dude" (Merriam-Webster entry from 1895): A man extremely fastidious in dress and manner
3. "Awesome" (OED entry from 1980): Impressive or very good

Dictionaries typically label these entries as "informal" or "slang" to guide users on appropriate usage contexts.

The Urban Dictionary Phenomenon

While traditional dictionaries take a cautious approach to slang, Urban Dictionary embraces it wholeheartedly. Launched in 1999, this crowd-sourced online dictionary has become the go-to resource for the latest slang terms and cultural expressions.

Key features of Urban Dictionary:

1. User-generated content: Anyone can submit and define terms
2. Rapid updates: New slang can be added instantly
3. Multiple definitions: Terms often have various, sometimes contradictory, definitions
4. Cultural context: Definitions often include examples of usage in context
5. Lack of editorial control: Entries can be biased, offensive, or inaccurate

Examples of slang found primarily on Urban Dictionary:

1. "Salty" (upset or angry)
2. "Tea" (gossip or drama)
3. "Flex" (to show off)

While Urban Dictionary is a valuable resource for understanding current slang, its crowd-sourced nature means writers should cross-reference terms and use discretion.

Tips for Creative Writers: To Use or Not to Use Slang

Incorporating slang in your writing can add authenticity and flavor to your work, but it requires careful consideration. Here are some tips for using slang effectively:

Do's:

1. Research thoroughly: Ensure you understand the exact meaning and connotations of slang terms.
2. Consider your audience: Use slang that your target readers will understand and relate to.
3. Be consistent: If a character uses slang, maintain their linguistic style throughout the work.
4. Use slang to develop characters: Slang can reveal a character's age, background, and social group.
5. Stay current: If writing contemporary fiction, keep up with the latest slang trends.

Don'ts:

1. Don't overdo it: Too much slang can make your writing hard to understand or date quickly.
2. Avoid cultural appropriation: Be cautious when using slang from cultures you're not part of.
3. Don't use slang in formal writing: Unless it's dialogue or you're specifically writing about slang.
4. Avoid obscure terms: If readers need to constantly look up words, it disrupts the flow of your writing.
5. Don't force it: If slang doesn't fit naturally with your character or setting, don't use it.

Special Considerations:

1. Historical fiction: Research slang from your chosen era for authenticity.
2. Science fiction: Consider inventing future slang, but ensure it's understandable from context.
3. Young Adult fiction: Stay current with teen slang, but be aware it changes rapidly.
4. International audiences: Be mindful that slang often doesn't translate well.

Slang it Up (That's Not a Real One)

Slang is a dynamic and fascinating aspect of language that reflects the ever-changing nature of culture and communication. For creative writers, it's a powerful tool that, when used judiciously, can add depth, authenticity, and color to your work. By understanding the history and evolution of slang, recognizing its place in both traditional and modern lexicons, and following best practices for its use, you can harness the power of slang to create vibrant, relatable, and engaging writing.

Remember, like any powerful tool, slang should be used with care and precision. When in doubt, consider your audience, your characters, and the overall tone of your work. With these considerations in mind, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the wild and wonderful world of slang in your creative writing endeavors.