slang

1 of 2

noun

ˈslaŋ 

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 adjective

slangily

ˈslaŋ-ə-lē 

adverb

slanginess

ˈslaŋ-ē-nəs 

noun

slangy

ˈslaŋ-ē 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• terminology
• dialect
• vocabulary
• 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

Algorithmic social media is driving the creation of new slang at a breakneck pace. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2025

These systems can interpret regional slang, idioms and context-specific expressions, hence minimizing both over-censorship and under-enforcement. —Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

That said, like any slang, tone and context matter. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 29 July 2025

With its endlessly quotable teen slang, closet-envy fashion, and pop culture references, the film remains an epochal '90s movie that hasn't lost a stitch of charm or relevance. —Danny Horn, EW.com, 19 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing slang

• rhyming slang

Rhymes for slang

• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang
• kiang

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