Linguistics - Using Slangs

LANGUAGE VARIATION
-Slang and Taboo Language-

Contents

1.Defining slang………………….. ………………………………………………………….3
2. Extent and origins of Slang……..……………………………………………..…………..5 2.1. Examples of slang words in modern American English..........................................7
3. Types of slangs……………………………………………………………………...………8 3.1. Offensive slang………………………………………………………………..…...8 3.2. Vulgar slang…………………………………………………………………….…8 3.3. Taboo slang………………………………………………………………………..8
5. Taboo language………………………..……………………………………………….......9
6. Bibliography………………………..………………………………………………..……11

Defining slang
Slang is a kind of language consisting of very informal words and phrases. Slang is more common in speech than in writing. Slang words are often used in a particular context or by a particular group of people. It has been said that slang is something that everyone can recognize but no one can define. Speakers show enormous creativity in their use of slang (it is, indeed, one of the most creative areas of language use), and it is often the source of a good deal of humor. Although a precise definition of slang seems extremely difficult (if not impossible, there are, nevertheless some salient features of this form of language.

According to the American poet Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), slang is "language which takes off its coat, spits on its hands - and goes to work." The Concise Oxford Dictionary is more prosaic: "words, phrases, and uses that are regarded as very informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar to a specified profession, class, etc (racing slang; schoolboy slang)."
The problem for learners of English is to know when or when not to use slang. Many people condemn slang, but in fact we all use it. The trick is to use slang in the right context. For the learner, perhaps the first thing to remember is that slang is normally