Throughout a child's developmental years, adults; such as parents, teachers and caretakers are their principal models for standard speech and grammar skills. Children learn to interact with others through constant attempts to emulate the various styles of communication that are demonstrated all around them. At some point during this long process of edification, kids become young adults with a need to cultivate a sense of individualism. Dialogue takes on a whole new style, and peers have more influence than ever on vocabulary. This paper will explore the development and usage of slang, paying close attention to the key role it plays in the transition from dependence to independence, for it is during this period of growth that language will become an important tool in self-discovery.
According to the web site, The Learning Network, slang is a vernacular vocabulary not generally acceptable in formal usage. It often conveys a cutting, sometimes offensive, no-nonsense attitude, and lends itself to poking fun at pretentiousness. Just about every culture and sub-culture has its own version of a local dialect. Most often it is derived from commonly used words and has been known to sometimes develop into standard speech. According to Judi Sanders, creator of the College Slang Page, the noun form of slang refers to nonstandard terms or the nonstandard usage of standard terms. It is a kind of informal language that generally follows the grammatical patterns of the language from which it stems, but reflects an alternate lexicon with undertones of familiarity. Slang develops in all parts of speech, including verbs, adjectives and complete reference phrases, which give the speaker a broader range of vocabulary to share thoughts, ideas and experiences. It mingles with standard speech giving it a local and personal flavor. The process of "slanging" involves the creation and use of jargon, and may entail both nonverbal and verbal cues.
Adults have been frowning on slang for generations (Crystal 104). Conservatives also look down upon slang because slang is not used by people of high status. ... People who do not like slang are usually prejudiced as well. ... Perhaps this is because of a prejudice, sort of "once slang, always slang" mentality. ... "If Slang is Not a Sin." ...
Among them are the use of slang, clipped word endings, and new dialects. ... Adults have been frowning on slang for generations (Crystal 104). Conservatives also look down upon slang because slang is not used by people of high status. ... People who do not like slang are usually prejudiced as well. ... Perhaps this is because of a prejudice, sort of "once slang, always slang" mentality. ...
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer not only invents slang, but intends to do so- (p22). Not all of the slang terms used on the program are products of the creative writers; scripts are also intermingled with familiar slang, creating a colorful snapshot of current American teen slang. ... Original meanings can go out the window with -y, the ultimate slayer slang suffix. ... In slayer slang, -ness is a significant suffix and gives playful or wicked spins to average words. ... Unfortunately, none of these alternatives quite explains the situation of the slayer slang much. ...
Avoiding the Use of Slang in Professional Writing Slang is defined as an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech (Merriam-Webster). Cultures have developed slang deliberately to exclude people outside their group. ... This is causing the use of slang to increase. It is also making slang harder to avoid in writing and everyday life; this is shown by the number of slang only dictionaries available. There are over 50 slang dictionaries available on the internet, varying in subject ...
As year advance connotations of slang words change significantly. ... People themselves are accountable for the alterations of meaning in a slang words. If a person uses a slang word continuously, people around her/him start to become familiar with the word. ...
Slang, on the other hand, is lazy speech. ... Conservatives also look down upon slang because slang is not used by people of high status. ... Perhaps this is because of a prejudice, sort of "once slang, always slang" mentality. ... Slang becomes a haven. ... Slang tends to set you apart from society. ...
Introduction Contemporary American slang is a very complicated language phenomenon. ... The main purpose to use humorous slang language is to get a kind of comedic effect. ... The above slang grammar characteristics apparently run counter to standard grammar. ... (1975:2) Why can slang be widely used in America? ... The function of slang word comes from the pun of NATO. ...
With his dramatic gestures, slang verbiage, dirty blond hair and tanned, robust frame, Steve Irwin is presented more as a comic strip rather than a serious Australian role model that children look up to. ... In the text "Shame" It is obvious that the individual man was described as rapist, aggressive, tanned, who would use slang and who would wear stubby shorts, singlet, thongs and sit around the pub all day, the men also have a negative attitude towards women. The "Crocodile Hunter" describes the typical Australian as a dirty blond, robust, tough, unkempt appearance and uses slang. ... The p...
With his dramatic gestures, slang verbiage, dirty blond hair and tanned, robust frame, Steve Irwin is presented more as a comic strip rather than a serious Australian role model that children look up to. ... In the text "Shame" It is obvious that the individual man was described as rapist, aggressive, tanned, who would use slang and who would wear stubby shorts, singlet, thongs and sit around the pub all day, the men also have a negative attitude towards women. The "Crocodile Hunter" describes the typical Australian as a dirty blond, robust, tough, unkempt appearance and uses slang. ... The p...
