Language is not static; it breathes, mutates, and mirrors the people who use it. Among its many forms, slang is perhaps the most alive- the one that pulses and shifts based on the generations. Its creativity, its belonging, and its mark on language itself. Slang, in its very being, has led to the creation of many words; tracing its history would be to trace human connection and communication.
From Slang to Vocabulary
Slang is a looser structure of words often found thriving in informal spaces: schoolyards, online forums, music, and everyday conversation. Unlike formal language, which aspires to precision, slang seeks emotion. It compresses feelings into expressions that feel right in the moment, not necessarily grammatically correct.
Slang evolves from comfort and experiences, making it beyond the keeping up capabilities of any dictionary of official language authority, but thanks to the internet, the spread of slang is not only quicker but also more global. Language no longer waits for geography; it travels at the speed of Wi-Fi.
However, when slang crosses borders, its essence diminishes to a point where the origin itself becomes irrelevant. What was once deeply cultural becomes aesthetic or performative. The challenge is not just acceptance but authenticity, as the language of union should celebrate the union and respect the creators while allowing it to be shared and loved across the globe.
Identity and Belonging
Every group, generation, or subculture invents its own linguistic code to mark identity. So most of today’s popular slang is used by Gen-Z to communicate with other Gen-Z. But language has always existed for the very reason of easy communication. So why do we use slang? Because it feels good. Slang satisfies emotional and social needs. Within societies, we have our own groups and hence shared terminology: jokes that only make sense to us, references applicable to only the select few, and ultimately words only the right person will understand. There is a stark difference between ‘I’m tired’ and ‘I’m dead’ and between ‘I agree’ and ‘That’s a mood.’ It’s a playful exaggeration that mirrors how we actually feel, not how we’re supposed to sound.
Psychologically, slang allows us to be ourselves in tough times and changing environments. Slang helps us recognize our people during many socio-cultural events, like migration, social upheaval, technological revolutions, etc. Almost explaining to everyone around that this is our world and these are our words.
The Code of the Crowd
Each generation brings out new words, abbreviations, and trends, making some words almost reminiscent of the times. Today’s generation has popularised words such as ‘rizz’, ‘demure’, and ‘lit.’ Older generations often criticize such vocabulary abominations, reinforcing linguistic rebellion and asserting defiance against adult norms.
These critiques often derive from a standard or “ideal” language comparison, while descriptivists (people who support language change) state that the purpose of language is to suit the needs of the speaker, crediting borrowing, differences in accents, pronunciations, and spellings as all results of evolution. Changes occur daily as people make up words and alter contexts to fit their situations, but the criticism stems from written forms of language and alteration of norms.
Evolutions and Changes
In a world where AI takes over creativity and writing, slang humanizes our connections. It creates an echo chamber of the tone of the people, from protests to chants to memes and songs and tweets, slang becomes the art of making language our own.
Slang is the most consistent in the feel it resonates, but is the most fluid in its representations. The people’s language is what drafts speeches better than any politician and drafts better books than any educated academic. Slang to its name is not shortening or laziness, but is the ringing sensation that the world is changing according to will and not warrants.
