  slang consists of a lexicon of non-standard words and phrases in a given language. use of these words and phrases is typically associated with the subversion of a standard variety (such as standard english) and is likely to be interpreted by listeners as implying particular attitudes on the part of the speaker. in some contexts a speaker's selection of slang words or phrases may convey prestige, indicating group membership or distinguishing group members from those who are not a part of the group. == defining slang == few linguists have endeavoured to clearly define what constitutes slang. attempting to remedy this, bethany k. dumas and jonathan lighter argue that an expression should be considered "true slang" if it meets at least two of the following criteria: :* it lowers, if temporarily, "the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing"; in other words, it is likely to be considered in those contexts a "glaring misuse of register." :* its use implies that the user is familiar with whatever is referred to, or with a group of people who are familiar with it and use the term. :* "it's a taboo term in ordinary discourse with people of a higher social status or greater responsibility." :* it replaces "a well-known conventional synonym". this is done primarily to avoid discomfort caused by the conventional synonym or discomfort or annoyance caused by having to elaborate further. michael adams remarks that "[slang] is liminal language... it is often impossible to tell, even in context, which interests and motives it serves... slang is on the edge." slang dictionaries, collecting thousands of slang entries, offer a broad, empirical window into the motivating forces behind slang. while many forms of language may be considered "sub-standard", slang remains distinct from colloquial and jargon terms because of its specific social contexts. while considered inappropriate in formal writing, colloquial terms are typically considered acceptable in speech across a wide ra
Language_varieties_and_styles Slang Sociolinguistics Youth_culture