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
But the inclusion of modern slang terms is welcomed by most players, said Tom Nagle, who showed up at a recent club night. PWNED, NOOBS, ADORBS, EFFED, FINNA? Joe Heim, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 The survey said the following slang terms parents don't vibe with. USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 Bright captions explain British street slang or map out the characters’ schemes. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 Kim and Andrew also talk about NASA's Mars simulator and demystify baffling Gen Z slang. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 The ticker for Van Eck’s Bitcoin fund is HODL, a nod to crypto slang that describes refusing to sell a favorite cryptocurrency. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2024 The show has its own rhythm and slang, and Black and Stewart have an easy, confident rapport. The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024 The slang has several uses, depending on its context. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2024 The messages, viewed by The New York Times, were all written in Russian, apparently by a native speaker well versed in vulgar slang. Jenny Gross, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2023

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

1828, 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 28 Mar. 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
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