slang

noun

\ ˈslaŋ

How to pronounce slang (audio)

\

Definition of slang

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : language peculiar to a particular group: such as

a : argot

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

The stilted dialogue is largely gone, replaced by a goofy but still familiar take on teen slang. — Julie Muncy, Ars Technica, "Life Is Strange 2, episode 1 review: New setting, same heart," 28 Sep. 2018 Use simple language, with no abbreviations, shortcuts or slang. -- Don’t send photos and videos. — Jody Rees, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Tips for texting to 911," 25 June 2018 In his book The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory, writer John Seabrook explained that the confounding lyrics stemmed from Swedish music masterminds who misunderstood American slang. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE.com, "These Songs Aren't About What You Think They're About: 8 Surprising Meanings Behind Hits," 30 Mar. 2018 Most of the continental United States won’t be able to see the SBBM (that’s #cool #slang for the super blue blood moon) in its entirety, though those watching from the west coast will be able to see a partial eclipse starting at 3:48 a.m. — Tess Koman, Cosmopolitan, "Everything You Need to Know About the January 31, 2018, SUPER BLUE BLOOD MOON," 3 Jan. 2018 This particular reboot is particularly unbearable, though — putting the boot (as in the slang for vomiting) in reboot. — Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, "A guide to good Netflix vs. bad Netflix," 21 June 2018 Australians believe their slang is a defining characteristic. — Mike Cherney, WSJ, "Crikey, Bruce, Our Aussie Lingo Has Gone Walkabout," 2 Aug. 2018 Perhaps that’s the point: Derogatory slang is only useful if it can be deployed, unnoticed, in daylight. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Made-Up Travel Words We Love to Hate," 18 July 2018 That means no slang, no hoodies, and no getting angry. — Genelle Levy, Teen Vogue, "The Hate U Give Is the Film That Black Girls Need Today," 19 Oct. 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

disparage

to speak slightingly about or to degrade

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