slang etymology

Etymology of "Slang"

• Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of "slangwhanger," a colloquial term for a loud, boisterous talker.
• Derived from the Old English word "slang," meaning "to sling" or "to throw."
• It was originally used to describe the speech of thieves and criminals, who used coded language to avoid detection.

Meaning of "Slang"

• Informal or colloquial language that is typically used in everyday speech but not in formal settings.
• Words or phrases that have a non-standard or unconventional meaning.
• Often characterized by its vividness, creativity, and humor.

Origin of Slang

• Social Groups: Slang often originates within specific social groups, such as youth, criminals, soldiers, or musicians, as a way to communicate exclusively.
• Taboo Topics: Slang is often used to discuss sensitive or taboo subjects, providing a more indirect or euphemistic way of expressing oneself.
• Creativity: Slang evolves through creative wordplay, metaphors, and the adaptation of existing words.
• Technological Advancements: New technologies, such as the internet and social media, have facilitated the spread and use of slang on a global scale.

slang relate terms

• back slang

  Etymology The term back slang is derived from the practice of reversing the order of sy

• back

  Etymology The word back is derived from the Old English word bæc which meant back

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• slangwhanger

  Etymology Slang whang intensifier Meaning A person who uses slang excessively

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• slangy

  Etymology From the verb sling meaning to throw or hurl In the early 1900s it was u

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• gull

  Etymology The word gull is derived from the Middle English word gulle which in turn

• cant

  Etymology From Middle English canten ultimately from Old French chantere to sing

• wonk

  Etymology Wonky is a slang term that originated in England in the early 19th century

• dukes

  Etymology The word duke comes from the Medieval Latin dux which itself is derived fr

• naff

  Etymology The word naff is believed to have originated from the Romani Gypsy word n

• Boche

  Etymology The word Boche is a slang term used in France and other French speaking count

• speak

  Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

• shout

  Etymology Old English scēotan to dart shoot expel Proto Germanic skeutaną Pro

• south

  Etymology and Origin of South The word south originates from the Proto Indo European