Slang Glossary
Essential terms for understanding modern slang, internet language, and linguistic concepts.
Understanding the Language of Language
This glossary provides definitions for linguistic terms, slang categories, and concepts that help you understand how modern language works. Whether you're studying slang academically, teaching about language evolution, or simply curious about terminology you encounter, this resource explains the vocabulary used to discuss slang itself.
Understanding these terms enhances your ability to analyze, discuss, and appreciate slang as a cultural and linguistic phenomenon. From technical linguistic terms to categories of slang to concepts about language usage, this glossary equips you with the language to talk about language.
Linguistic Terms
Technical terms from linguistics that help explain how slang works within language systems.
AAVE (African American Vernacular English)
A variety of English spoken primarily by African Americans, with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation patterns. Many modern slang terms originate from AAVE.
Example: Terms like "woke," "on fleek," and "slay" all come from AAVE.
Code-Switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties in conversation, often between formal and informal speech or standard language and slang.
Example: Switching from professional language in a meeting to casual slang with friends.
Colloquialism
Informal language used in everyday conversation but not in formal speech or writing. Slang is a type of colloquialism.
Example: "Gonna" instead of "going to" or "wanna" instead of "want to."
Etymology
The study of word origins and how their meanings have evolved over time. Understanding slang etymology helps explain why terms exist.
Example: The word "rizz" comes from "charisma," shortened and modified by internet culture.
Idiolect
The unique way an individual speaks, including their personal slang choices, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
Example: Your personal mix of slang from different regions and friend groups.
Jargon
Specialized language used by a particular group or profession. Similar to slang but more technical and profession-specific.
Example: Medical jargon, legal jargon, or gaming jargon.
Lexicon
The vocabulary of a language, person, or branch of knowledge. A slang lexicon includes all slang terms in use.
Example: Gen Z's lexicon includes terms like "rizz," "slay," and "no cap."
Linguistic Innovation
The creation of new words, meanings, or language structures. Slang represents rapid linguistic innovation.
Example: Creating compound terms like "main character energy" from existing words.
Neologism
A newly coined word or expression. Most slang starts as neologisms before entering common usage.
Example: Recent neologisms include "doomscrolling," "parasocial," and "chronically online."
Pidgin
A simplified language that develops as a means of communication between groups who don't share a common language. Often influences regional slang.
Example: Nigerian Pidgin, Hawaiian Pidgin, and other creole languages.
Register
The level of formality in language use, ranging from very formal to very informal (slang). People shift registers based on context.
Example: Using formal register in a job interview versus casual register with friends.
Semantic Shift
When a word's meaning changes over time. Slang frequently undergoes rapid semantic shifts.
Example: "Sick" originally meant ill, but as slang means excellent or impressive.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group. Generational slang (Gen Z slang) is a type of sociolect.
Example: The way Gen Z speaks differently from Millennials or Baby Boomers.
Vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a region or country, as opposed to formal or literary language.
Example: Singlish in Singapore, Roadman slang in UK, or regional American dialects.
Slang Categories
Different types of slang organized by generation, region, platform, or cultural origin.
Gen Z Slang
Language used primarily by Generation Z (born roughly 1997-2012), characterized by internet influence, social media origins, and rapid evolution.
Example: Terms like "rizz," "no cap," "slay," and "it's giving."
Gen Alpha Slang
Emerging language from Generation Alpha (born 2013-present), heavily influenced by YouTube, TikTok, and gaming culture.
Example: Terms like "skibidi," "sigma," and evolved gaming terminology.
Internet Slang
Language that originated or primarily exists online, spread through social media, forums, and digital communication.
Example: Acronyms like "LOL," "FOMO," "GOAT," and phrases like "touch grass."
TikTok Slang
Terms that originated on or became popular through TikTok, often spread through viral videos and challenges.
Example: Phrases like "it's the __ for me," "and what about it," and sound-based memes.
Gaming Slang
Language specific to video game culture, including competitive gaming, streaming, and online multiplayer communities.
Example: Terms like "GG," "noob," "tryhard," "clutch," and "AFK."
Roadman Slang (UK)
Urban British slang associated with youth street culture, particularly in London and other UK cities.
Example: Words like "mandem," "peng," "bare," "peak," and "wasteman."
Singlish
Singapore English, a creole that blends English with Malay, Chinese, and Tamil, creating unique vocabulary and grammar.
Example: Terms like "lah," "shiok," "kiasu," and unique sentence structures.
Nigerian Pidgin
English-based creole spoken in Nigeria, blending English with Nigerian languages and creating distinct slang.
Example: Words like "wahala," "abi," "chop," and "gist."
LGBTQ+ Slang
Language that originated in or is commonly used by LGBTQ+ communities, often crossing into mainstream usage.
Example: Terms like "slay," "tea" (gossip), "serving," "camp," and "yasss."
Hip Hop Slang
Language from hip hop culture that has heavily influenced mainstream slang, particularly in American English.
Example: Words like "dope," "lit," "flex," "drip," and "cap."
Slang Concepts
Important concepts for understanding how slang spreads, evolves, and functions in culture.
Viral Slang
Terms that spread extremely rapidly through social media, often reaching millions of people within days or weeks.
Example: When "rizz" went viral in 2023 after being popularized by Kai Cenat.
Regional Variation
How slang differs between geographic regions, with some terms being used only in specific areas.
Example: UK says "innit," America says "for real," Singapore says "lah."
Appropriation
When slang from marginalized communities is adopted by mainstream culture, sometimes without proper credit or respect.
Example: Mainstream adoption of AAVE terms without acknowledging their origins.
Generational Divide
The linguistic gap between generations, where younger people use slang unfamiliar to older generations.
Example: Parents not understanding their teens' use of "no cap" or "bussin."
Slang Lifecycle
The stages slang goes through: emergence, spread, peak popularity, mainstream adoption, and sometimes decline into being outdated.
Example: How "on fleek" rose quickly but is now considered dated.
Code Word
Slang used to discuss something discretely, often to avoid detection or censorship.
Example: Using coded language to discuss sensitive topics on moderated platforms.
Meme Language
Language patterns that originate from internet memes and become part of everyday communication.
Example: Saying "it's giving..." or "the way I..." as sentence structures.
Platform-Specific Slang
Terms that are primarily used on specific social media platforms and may not translate to other contexts.
Example: Discord slang differs from TikTok slang differs from Twitter slang.
Ironic Usage
Using slang ironically or satirically, often mocking overuse or exaggerating for comedic effect.
Example: Gen Z ironically using outdated slang like "radical" or "groovy."
Chronically Online
Describing someone who spends excessive time online and is deeply embedded in internet culture and slang.
Example: Someone who uses extremely niche internet slang that offline people wouldn't understand.
Usage Terms
Concepts related to how slang is used, who uses it, and what makes usage appropriate or effective.
Context Matters
Understanding that slang meaning and appropriateness depend heavily on who's speaking, who's listening, and the situation.
Example: A term acceptable among friends might be inappropriate in professional settings.
Tone Indicator
Markers used (especially online) to clarify the intended tone, since text lacks vocal cues.
Example: Using "/s" for sarcasm or "/j" for joking.
Reclaimed Language
When communities take words that were once used pejoratively and reclaim them with positive meaning.
Example: LGBTQ+ community reclaiming certain terms to empower themselves.
In-Group Language
Slang that serves to identify members of a specific group and create belonging.
Example: Knowing specific gaming slang identifies you as part of gaming culture.
Try-Hard
Describing someone who uses slang unnaturally or excessively in an attempt to fit in.
Example: A brand using too much Gen Z slang in marketing and seeming inauthentic.
Natural Usage
Using slang in a way that feels authentic and appropriate rather than forced.
Example: Slang flowing naturally in conversation versus deliberately inserting it.
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