It's definitely a trendy thing. Dave Bourion, Menominee senior, said slang is all about image. Bourion said the use of slang is about simplification for society. I think the origin of this phrase may be him. Slang words are obviously more prevalent among the youth.
More adults seem to focus on proper English for various reasons.
Bourion said the older generation fraternizes in more formal atmospheres, such as the workplace, which call for more formal speech. Ours are more relaxed. They are teachers, lawyers and doctors. Although many students may not realize it, slang changes and develops during the course of years.