slang

\ ˈslaŋ

How to pronounce slang (audio)

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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

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

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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 Doxxing is a slang term referring to the disclosure online of someone's personal information. — Fox News, "Texas students react to doxxing threats against conservatives on campus," 29 Aug. 2019 Here's a list of teen slang terms and their definitions. — David Oliver, USA TODAY, "What is a VSCO girl? OK, boomer. A parents' dictionary to teen slang words, sksksksksk," 16 Nov. 2019 Here's the original news (plumped, in this context, is British slang for supporting something after careful consideration): In addition, sources reveal that the Duchess was the only guest at the wedding to give a reading. — Katherine J Igoe, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Had an Extra-Special Honor at Misha Nonoo’s Wedding," 22 Sep. 2019 Each is unique, with distinct dialects, accents, and slang. — Nick Martin, The New Republic, "What’s Lost When a Language Disappears," 12 Dec. 2019 The name was inspired by military slang for a chaotic situation, which to vets like Mardis and McGuffey makes perfect sense. — cincinnati.com, "Hidden in plain sight," 5 Dec. 2019 Sandberg said picking up on American slang was interesting. — oregonlive, "Sweden’s Simon Sandberg makes Oregon State the latest stop in his American football adventure," 26 Nov. 2019 This breezy, knowing comedy has fun with both the details of the poet’s biography and the conventions of teen rom-coms, mashing up ye olde trappings with contemporary slang and the occasional bit of stunt casting. — Jeremy Egner, New York Times, "Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus: What Shows Are Worth Watching?," 19 Nov. 2019 Bull on the loose in West Baltimore, no slang actually 🤯🤬 bull on the loose. — Talia Richman, baltimoresun.com, "After 3 hours loose in Baltimore, bull that ‘doesn’t have the best disposition’ is tranquilized, taken away," 3 Oct. 2019

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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Last Updated

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Slang.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slangy?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=s&file=slang004. Accessed 28 January 2020.

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