University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1913-12-17


DIR. ii. j. Davenport, professor of
economics: Slang is used because the
person using it lacks vocabulary and
ing with which to express himself.
Nevertheless, there is much slang
WHICH is pat and expressive and which
finally forces its way into literary
speech. Language grows in large
part by the contributions made by
slang. Good slang is good stuff"
DIR. j. w. Hudson, associate profess
sor of philosophy: The introduction
of slang into a language has great
value in ultimately enriching the vo-
cabulary of the language. This does
not mean that all slang words or
phrases are worthy of preservation,
but many OF them are and number of
our most forceful modes OF expression,
entirely legitimate now, had their orr
gin in slang. 1t is not a bad sign at
all when people adopts slang eX-
pressions. Such expressions are US
ually picturesque to high degree,
partaking of the character of metaphor
and thus expressive of the exercise of
the Imagination. l sometimes think
that our age has vindicated itself as
not entirely practical through the fact
that it reveals an imaginative tenden-
cy in it's slang. However, all of this
must be modified in terms of what
sort of slang it is. Again, while the
introduction OF slang into a language
may enrich it, its constant use by any
given individual tends to impoverish
and cheaper his vocabulary, since it
is temptation to revert to current
slang to express all sorts of ideas
instead of creating the subtle differ
ences of expression which ought to go
with precise thinking. What is the
moral? Use slang certainly, but do
not let it obsess your vocabulary.
DIR. A. II. r. FairchiId, professor of
English: There are two kinds of
slang-the kind that is a natural eX-
preston of a vulgar mind, and the
kind that is used occasionally by per-
sons of culture as form of relief.
Educated people, especially teachers,
do 70 +hof rct
talk like a dictionary all the time.
do not think person should ever re-
sort to the use of slang when he can
express the same idea in better Ian
guage. Goldwin Smith, master of
English style, once said while making
an inaugural speech at Cornell at the
opening of new hall named in honor
of him, Some day freshman will
come along and ask as he reads the
name, What old guy was that?'
Even men of classical training occa-
sionally indulge in slang for sake of
humor or local color. 1t is true, too,
that many words, such as cab" now
in good repute, were first introduced
into the language as slang. The word
was originally cabriolet, French di-
minutiye of Gabrielle. On the whole, a
conservative attitude toward the use
of slang seems to me to be best. 1t is
better to follow than to lead.
j. B. Powell, instructor in advertis-
ing: Slang is extremely important in
advertising. The president of the Ma
tional Biscuit Company has said that
much of the success of the company
was due to the slang expression
"uneeda." In many instances slang
expressions are used for trademarks.
Slang is the best indication that Ian
guage is growing. 1t is the life of a
language Kodak" is word that was
coined by a company to advertise a
particular brand of camera. Now the
word kodak" is generally used for
camera. "Sunkist" oranges, hole
proof" hosiery, "nabisco" waters,
''jello,' and ''rubberset" are words
which certainly are expressive.
Jacob Warshaw, professor of Ro-
nance languages: Slang has its
value. 1t has existed in all epochs
/ It seems to me to be an endeavor OF
people to try to say in the shortest