I have been a lover of words and fascinated by language since childhood. I speak three languages and have a tourist-level understanding of several others. There are so many languages and dialects no one will be fluent in more than a few. I’m going to talk about how the English language has devolved and evolved in the last 300 years.
Language is a set of ordered sounds that others identify and communicate in the same way. Culture, society, and global real-time media impact how quickly several language modifications are readily adopted and go mainstream. Acronyms, cliches, jargon, and slang are the colorful, ever-changing subset of words and phrases that often leave older generations scratching their heads.
In this post, I want to delve into the roots of slang and explore how it has come to be such an integral part of our linguistic landscape. Now, I should warn you that as my parents were both teachers/writers, I had to learn slang in my forties to help a niece with a school project. I was so excited to learn that there are now dictionaries completely composed of the meaning of slang phrases.
Slang: A Shapeshifting Language
Slang, in its essence, is a form of linguistic rebellion. It’s the language of subcultures and countercultures, the secret code of youth, and a testament to our innate human desire for belonging and differentiation simultaneously. But where did it all begin? To answer that question, we must turn to historical records and the implied context of words.
The Historical Origins
Slang is not a modern invention. It has been around for centuries, adapting and evolving with each passing generation. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times when groups of people, whether they were thieves, sailors, soldiers, or scholars, needed to communicate covertly or differentiate themselves from the mainstream population.
One of the earliest recorded examples of slang can be found in the works of William Shakespeare. The Bard himself was a master of innovation, introducing countless words and phrases to the English language. For instance, in his play “Hamlet,” he coined the term “star-crossed lovers,” which has become a timeless expression of romantic tragedy. His slang was positively poetic.
The Slang of Subcultures
Slang truly came into its own during the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of various subcultures. From the jargon of jazz musicians in Harlem to the secret language of criminals in London’s East End, slang became a powerful means of identification and exclusion.
The Beat Generation of the 1950s and the counterculture movements of the 1960s gave birth to an explosion of slang, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the time. Words like “groovy,” “cool,” and “hip” became synonymous with rebellion and non-conformity.
Slang in the Digital Age
In the digital age, slang has taken on a new form. With the rise of the internet and social media, language evolves at an unprecedented rate. Memes, emojis, and internet slang have become the lingua franca of a generation raised on screens. Acronyms like “LOL,” “BRB,” and “OMG” have made their way from text messages to everyday conversation. Sure, it’s less to type using acronyms, but I side with those that text fully spelled words. You might as well call the person instead of sending, ‘ok syt ty’ (okay, see you tomorrow, thank you).
The Globalization of Slang
What’s particularly fascinating about slang today is its global reach. Thanks to the interconnectedness of our world, slang from one corner of the globe can quickly spread to another. Words like “selfie” and “twerk” have transcended borders and become part of the international lexicon. People are taking selfies and twerking on all continents.
The Ever-Changing Nature of Slang
Slang is a living testament to our creativity, need for identity, and ability to communicate innovatively. It reminds us that language is not static but, rather, a dynamic force that reflects the ever-changing tapestry of our culture and society.
So, the next time you hear a new slang word or phrase, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance that underlies it. Slang is more than just words; it’s always a glimpse into our colorful linguistic past.
