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slang

Pronunciation: /slaŋ/

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Definition of slang

noun

[mass noun]

a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people:grass is slang for marijuana army slang [as modifier]:slang terms

verb

[with object] informal

attack (someone) using abusive language:he watched ideological groups slanging one another

Origin:

mid 18th century: of unknown origin

Grammar

Words and expressions that are informal and not standard English. Different social groups often use a special vocabulary. Sometimes this is fairly widespread and well understood. In the sentences that follow the slang expressions are in bold type.If Martin is prepared to take the risk, he could be quids in. I just wanted to be sure you weren’t trying to pull a fast one on me. I’m a bit skint at the moment. Some slang is confined to small tightly knit groups who can use it to exclude outsiders. Slang is also often sexual or scatological.

slang in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of slang in the US English dictionary

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