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

• argot
• cant
• dialect
• jargon
• jive
• language
• lingo
• patois
• patter
• shop
• shoptalk
• terminology
• vocabulary

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

Ghosting, a slang term typically used in dating, is when someone abruptly ends all communication without informing the other person as to why. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025

Robinson called it the All Net Resort and Arena, using basketball slang for a shot so perfect the ball passes through the net without touching the rim. —Nathan Fenno, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

The woman told police Sulaiman had been smoking Angel Dust — a slang term for PCP — in the days preceding the assault. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025

The amount is interesting in itself, as 1337 is hacker slang for elite. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 16 Jan. 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

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