Slang and Language Change

Introduction

"That's lit!" "I have no cap." "She's ghosting me." If you were to travel back in time just 20 years and say these things, people would have no idea what you were talking about. This is the world of slang—the informal, ever-changing, and often playful language used by specific social groups. Slang is more than just "bad" language; it is a powerful driver of language change. It is a creative force that keeps a language vibrant, fresh, and constantly evolving. This article will explore what slang is, why we use it, and how it reflects the dynamic nature of language itself.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• Define slang and identify its key characteristics.
• Explain the main social functions of slang, such as creating group identity.
• Understand the life cycle of a slang term, from invention to mainstream acceptance or death.
• Analyse how technology and social media have accelerated the spread of slang.
• Appreciate that language change is a natural and continuous process.

What is Slang? …