slang

1 of 2

noun

1
: language peculiar to a particular group: such as
a
: argot
2
: an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech
slang adjective
slangily adverb
slanginess noun
slangy adjective

slang

2 of 2

verb

slanged; slanging; slangs

intransitive verb

: to use slang or vulgar abuse

transitive verb

: to abuse with harsh or coarse language

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
The English of this translation is very British, down to the slang (which is no criticism, of course, but simply a note). Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 Sep. 2024 Mary Jane Mary Jane is a slang term for marijuana, and, like the word marijuana, its use in different languages is widespread. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024 Watch on Deadline Of course, fans of the 2004 Tina Fey hit will remember Gretchen’s unsupported efforts to make a slang word popular. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024 Today’s groups are... Yellow group — areas on a golf course Green group — slang for home run Blue group — D.C. sports teams Purple group — teams that share names with cars Today’s Connections: Sports Edition Answers? Spoiler alert! Kris Holt, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slang 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slang.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1817, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of slang was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near slang

Cite this Entry

“Slang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slang. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

slang

noun
ˈslaŋ
1
: special language used by a particular group
2
: an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed of invented words, changed words, and exaggerated or humorous figures of speech
slang adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on slang

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!