Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-11-06
SLANG.

Very old is the fable of the girls at the
we'll: where, from the Ii ips of one, a fairy
causes pearls and roses to fall, and from the
lips of the other toads and snakes. thought
the story had been left in the nursery together
with Jack the giant-killer, Mother Goose and
other literary toys with which the childish
fancy is amused But lately have had cause
not only to remember the fable but also to
discover within it solid truth: kind of
prophetic meaning with reference to the use
of slang which is now becoming so common,
especially among the young people.
I was most forcibly reminded of the fable
the other evening, while sitting with some
friends. Their conversation would have
greatly entertained me, were it not, that du-
ring the chatting, ever and anon the toads of
slang words would leap from red lips and
quite disturb my equilibrium. These girls
had been nurturcd in refined and cultivated
homes, but from outside associations, had fall
len into the fashion of talking slang.
1t is sad to see how universal this habit is
growing among our girls and boys. At
future day they will constitute the country,
and their speech the language of the land.
What if it be language Of slang?
Would that the young could be impressed
with the necessity of guarding their lips! that
no cant phrase or slang expression escape
them. Surely it does not add to the grace of
womanhood or to the dignity Of manhood to
use ineegant language. Pure good English
is more appropriate and is a much clearer
medium for the passage of their thoughts.
Moreover the frequent use Of slang tends to
weaken and corrupt the mind. The words
may proceed from mere thoughtlessness and
levity, thus causing only toads to fall at first,
but snakes are sure to follow-the viper ut
teranccs of rude and common thoughts.
cit is more lively, more expressive, etc. "
All! Young America, that is just it. With
your swift impatient movements toward pro-
gress, you find even the language too slow
and tedious for use and, so pull it to pieces
to form one to suit your purpose.
This offensive manner of speech is constant
ly spreading; it is creeping into American
literature, marring and lowering the standard
of whatever it approxmates.
Our grand old English language! how it is
cncroached upon. Having been growing
these many years, to its full and perfect
stature, walking with the stately steppings of
mighty words, clothed with the flowing robes
of happy expressions and harmonious SEN
tences, crowned with tiara Of wit that glis.
tens and quivers, yet you are rudely jostled
aside by whom-a usurper with spry and
indolent gait, with the manner of a jockey.
One who, though coarse and intrusive, is be-
coming as welcome in the parlor Of the best
society as he is in the kitchen and stable.
"Speech is silver Our fathers brought
the silver trumpet from the mother country ;
with it they blew the clarion tones of liberty ;
with it they have diffused the various notes
of literature and science. Now, through the
swell of sound we hear the continual tinkle
of a penny trumpet.
speech is silver" Let us have it; pure
ringing, strong melodious words Goodwyn,
IN the Southwestern Presbyterian.