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

Slang terms for marijuana Pot, Mary Jane, grass, reefer, green, hash, ganja and doobie are just a few of the ever-growing list of slang terms used in exchange for marijuana. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents of tweens and teens like me are always in need of a brush up on current slang terms, such as lala bop, and rizz. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024

The English of this translation is very British, down to the slang (which is no criticism, of course, but simply a note). —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 Sep. 2024

Mary Jane Mary Jane is a slang term for marijuana, and, like the word marijuana, its use in different languages is widespread. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024

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