slang

noun

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\ ˈslaŋ

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 Phrases Containing slang Learn More About slang

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 Literally, the argument was over a pair of men’s light blue boxer briefs, or chones, in Spanish slang. — Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2022 The Great Walks are some of the most popular backpacking trails (or tramps, as they’re known in Kiwi slang) in New Zealand. — Jessica Wynne Lockhart, Outside Online, 19 Jan. 2020 In the 1920s, Black jazz musicians – marginalized in a predominantly white musical arena – developed a subculture with a rich slang, and turned bad into a compliment. — Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2022 This Modernist masterpiece is all-killer no-filler, with little slang and a relatively timeless take on American English. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 14 Jan. 2022 Pay attention to their idioms and their turns of phrase, to their slang. — Keith Runyon, The Courier-Journal, 24 Mar. 2022 Still, the Internet rhetoric used so far during the war in Ukraine has been notable for its conversational tone and online slang. — Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2022 Conservative in politics and unlucky in love, the spoiled, scholarly son of the Banks family was the polar opposite of cousin Will, who often teased him for his choices in clothing, music and slang. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2022 This slang clearly points to a fame-hungry, self-aware, exaggeration-prone culture. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Common phrases, hashtags and slang with roots in the digital sphere and pop culture are now available to those searching the site. — Danielle Garrand, CBS News, 1 Sep. 2020 See More

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.