slang

noun

\ˈslaŋ

\

Definition of slang

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : language peculiar to a particular group: such as

b : jargon sense 1

2 : an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech

slang

verb

slanged; slanging; slangs

Definition of slang (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to use slang or vulgar abuse

transitive verb

: to abuse with harsh or coarse language

Other Words from slang Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about slang

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Other Words from slang

Noun

slang adjective

slangily \ˈslaŋ-ə-lē

\ adverb

slanginess \ˈslaŋ-ē-nəs

\ noun

slangy \ˈslaŋ-ē

\ adjective

Examples of slang in a Sentence

Noun

tends to use too much hacker's slang when talking to coworkers about their computer problems

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Her dialogue is peppered heavily with Hawaiian pidgin English and drug slang, and her characters feel ripped from life. — Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader, "Not One Batu feels torn directly from life," 5 July 2018 Something like slang, for instance, used to develop gradually as a new generation looked to distinguish itself from the previous one. — Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "By defining “l33t” and “Thanks Obama,” Dictionary.com became the Web’s reference," 1 July 2018 The students told her it had had a big effect on the school, with teachers picking up on the slang used by pupils in the show and incorporating it into Norwegian language lessons. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, "Prince William and Kate Middleton Step Out for Their Last Day in Snow-Covered Norway," 2 Feb. 2018 That duality continues in every facet of the game: Meatpunks mixes ASCII art and detailed character portraits; flowing, sentimental prose and internet slang-riddled dialogue; moments of quiet sadness and punchy, rebellious violence. — Julie Muncy, WIRED, "Extreme Meatpunks Forever," 11 July 2018 It's called Cruzando el charco, or Crossing the Puddle—Puerto Rican slang for travel to the mainland. — Martha Bayne, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Performing Arts / Visual Art / Theater Y No Había Luz brings the voices of post-Maria Puerto Rico to Chicago," 9 July 2018 Text messages should be brief and easily understood and should not include any abbreviations, emojis or slang. — Arielle Kass, ajc, "Fulton County rolls out 911 texting option in five cities," 6 July 2018 In yet another, fans from Mexico hold a woman up in the air and urge her to use a slang word for a female body part in Spanish. — Washington Post, "Fans at World Cup criticized for videos disrespecting women," 20 June 2018 The additions related to crypto — a slang word that many use to refer to cryptocurrencies — signal how much confusion there is around how this budding branch of finance works. — Katy Steinmetz, Time, "'Cryptocurrency' and 'Dumpster Fire' Were Officially Added to the Dictionary," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slang.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for slang

slang

noun

English Language Learners Definition of slang

: words that are not considered part of the standard vocabulary of a language and that are used very informally in speech especially by a particular group of people

See the full definition for slang in the English Language Learners Dictionary

slang

noun

\ˈslaŋ

\

Kids Definition of slang

: very informal words used by a group of people

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WORD OF THE DAY

de rigueur

required by fashion, etiquette, or custom

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