The Rich World of Language: Slang, Jargon, Colloquialisms

Language and the way people communicate, particularly using slang, has always fascinated me. Why? Because language is ever evolving. There’s almost a rhythm to it. Someone starts a new word or expression and others pick it up. Eventually, if its use is widely accepted, it becomes mainstreamed by making it into the dictionary. Or into an article in the New York Times.

Last year David Brooks used the word “woke” in one of his NYT editorial columns. I had heard the term earlier when a woman in her mid-40s told me she wanted to make up a T-Shirt which said “I’ve been woke since the 90’s.” I was too embarrassed to ask its meaning at the time. However, when my man Brooks used “woke” —which means “awakened” or “with it” as in being aware of racial discrimination and other social injustices—I figured it was time to tune in.

THE COLORFUL USE OF SLANG

What exactly is slang? According to Dictionary.com, slang is “informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language.” The example they gave was “to hit the road,” a colorful expression which my father used often when he was trying to get my sister and me to move during our years as lackadaisical adolescents.

If you trace back the etymology of the word, slang made its first appearance in the mid 1700s. In the beginning it referred to the vocabulary used by “low” or “disreputable” people. By the end of the 19th century, it dropped the connotation of “disreputable” but still applied to words or expressions which were not considered standard, educated speech.

SUBCULTURES’ INVENTION OF WORDS

Slang is a constantly changing linguistic phenomenon used by subcultures around the world. These subcultures can be defined by a range of differentiating characteristics among them age, class or ethnic make-up. People often cluster together to find a way to communicate in secret so that others outside of their subgroup won’t understand what they are saying. Youngsters, for example, create colorful slang words to hide conversations with their younger, hipper peers from their perpetually uncool parents.

There is an insider factor as well when you use slang. Slang tends to stress a social and/or contextual meaning. It infers that you belong to a group of like-minded people. It separates you from others and sometimes, in so doing, marks you as being cool.

The word “cool” itself is probably my first encounter with slang. I remember when I was a teenager people used “cool” to mean someone who had it all together. It implied both self-control and composure. “Cool” is a perfect example of what I call a classic slang term as we still use it today. While its meaning may have altered a bit over time and acquired slightly different meanings based on which subgroup uses it, “cool” remains a solid fixture in the English language.

BEWARE OF OUTDATED SLANG

Unlike “cool,” most slang expressions don’t remain fresh forever. I remember years ago using a French slang expression hoping to impress a client and famous Burgundy winemaker, Joseph Drouhin. He looked quite surprised that an American knew how to use the slang term “enquiquinant” which means “bothersome.” I was quite pleased with myself, until his two teenaged children at the luncheon table started to snicker and roll their eyes. Clearly, the term’s fashionability had faded and I was coming across to the kids like a piece of wilted lettuce.

Sometimes slang words fall out of use all together. Other times they morph into a different meaning. Take for example the term “hip.” When the word originated in the first half of the 20th century, it signified someone who was fashionable. By the 1950’s it referred to someone who was either in the jazz community or beatnik culture. Later, in the 60’s, it meant being part of the flower children movement. Today, it appears in the guise of the word “hipster” meaning someone who is self-aware and artsy. Yourdictionary.com website gave an amusing illustration of how the initial word has evolved: “My hip grandfather plays the sax, but my hipster brother just made homemade pickles.”

JARGON VS SLANG

When special language is used among a specific profession or industry, it is considered ”jargon.” The goal of jargon is to optimize a conversation by using terms that assume technical knowledge. For example, in the wine industry, where I spent most of my career, words such as “legs, wet dog” and “funky” have a specific meaning. When used, it separates wine professionals out as being special as the average person does not have the technical knowledge of how these terms should be utilized. Employing slang or jargon, the same result is often achieved: excluding others and making the users feel distinctively unique.

COLLOQUIAL VS SLANG

Slang can also be regional in which case it is called “colloquial.” For example, in Boston the word “wicked” is used as an intensifier meaning “very.” That was a “wicked delicious” dinner. By using this word, you set yourself apart, giving almost a verbal high-five to fellow Bostonians.

My friend Joan Ross is from Gloversville, New York. She told me that growing up she used to say “downstreet” for going downtown and “down cellar” for going down to the basement. Another colloquial expression example comes from greater New York where locals say, “my son graduated college.” Whatever happened to the preposition “from” I asked myself when I first heard it? Eventually, I became acclimatized by the expression but to this day, it still bothers me because it is grammatically incorrect.

WANNA SHARE A COKE AND A HOAGIE?

Other regional linguistic differences include pop vs soda, vs coke to refer to a soft drink. Do you call a big sandwich a sub, hero or hoagie? And, what do you put on top of your ice cream? Sprinkles or jimmies? Some people put a bonnet on it! A young woman working at the Red Rooster—where a friend, Jan Hazard, and I recently stopped for a quick beverage— told us about a customer who wanted a “bonnet” on his ice cream. When she looked quizzically at him, her custormer pointed impatiently to the vat of melted chocolate on the counter.

Another confusing colloquialism comes from the UK. I first time heard it was after signing my name on a credit card slip. The waiter exclaimed brightly, “Brilliant” and I thought “hardly” meaning anyone can do it so why am I so clever? Hearing it repeatedly during my London stay, I came to understand through its context that its equivalent was “good job” or “great,” both overstatements for the simple task, at least by American linguistic standards.

One of the main differences between slang and colloquialism is that slang spreads quickly and widely and thus has a more universal use. The opposite is true with colloquialism which tends to stay confined to a specific region or country.

PORTMANTEAU

Sometimes people combine words to create slang with a new meaning. The linguistic term for this is “portmanteau.” How appropriate, as the word itself is French meaning an “overcoat” or a word on top of a word. A good example of this is Bromance referring to a special relationship between two straight men. Another popular portmanteau is Ginormous, a combination of “gigantic” and “enormous” meaning exceptionally big.

DO YOU SPEAK VALSPEAK?

Do you remember the first time you heard the word “like?” If not, allow me to remind you. Do you recall the Valley girl phenomenon back in the 1980s? This originated among young, upper-middle-class white teenagers called “Valley girls” from commuter communities in the San Fernando Valley. It was part of their way of speaking—or “valspeak”—which when used emphasized what they were saying. For example, “She is—like—so full of herself.” Valspeak lingo also incorporated adjectives such as “way” and “totally” in place of the word “really.”

When I asked my trainer if she used any slang words, she sheepishly admitted to being a victim of the word “like.” Ironically, “like” has crept into the normal speech pattern of many people, young and old. Even I find myself saying it periodically, to my linguistic horror.

Its most excessive use, however, is with young teenagers. If you ever find yourself walking in front of a group of 13-year-old schoolgirls, you’re bound to notice that their banter is heavily salt and peppered with “like.” “Like” every other word!

THAT’S AWESOME!

We all have slang words and expressions which are so integrated into our everyday conversation that we are unaware of their use. My canine clothing designer friend, Joan De Collibus, says she uses “awesome” all the time even though the acknowledgement makes her cringe. Erica Eisenberg from CancerCare told me “I do say ‘Hilarious!’ a lot plus ‘Really?’ because I don’t believe the majority of what people tell me.”

The slang expression “that’s funny” (or, for you texters FTF) was something Chandni Patel, a top New York publicist, used to say all the time when she worked for me. But, it rarely meant what it implies. Within the context of its use, it more commonly signified “that’s strange, weird or unbelievable” which always confused me. Then, I realized Chandni was using the idiom for emphasis. I also think “that’s funny” is a generational expression as I’ve heard other people Chandni’s age using it with frequency.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I enjoy keeping my ears attuned to new uses of words. One which is popular now is the double “good.” I assume “good-good” means exceptionally good. Right? Another one is “I know” used as a confirmation or an agreement. But the “know” needs to be said with a lift in your voice to capture the desired meaning. Even broadcasters say it now. Vice President Biden uses the idiom “look” all the time which I thought was defensive the first time I heard it. My interpretation of it now is “come on” as if encouraging someone to agree with your point of view.

“THAT’S THE TEA”

Whenever I have a new topic for my blog, I often use the twenty-something greeters at Equinox as a sounding board. They’ve become accustomed to my serendipitously posing strange questions. Instead of the normal, “When is the next spin class?“ I asked André the other day what his favorite slang expression was. With the twinkle in his eye, he responded “That’s the tea.” Unlike the word “good” said twice, I needed an interpretation. André happily accommodated me employing the same reassuring tone he might have used with his grandmother. “You know. ‘Like’ when you hear from someone that your mutual friends, Arial and Jordan, just broke up. ‘That’s the tea’ meaning someone has just given you some juicy gossip.”

LETTER COMBOS

With the advent of texting, people are creating a shortcut version of slang by putting initials together: LOL, BFF, OMG, for example. Most of us already know what these mean so why go there? But, what about ABT which I thought meant the American Ballet Theatre? Well, it also is short for “about.” Then BM which you know what I thought that meant. Instead, it really means “Bite me!” Another discovery is RME for “roll my eyes.” And, they just keep coming. One more colorful than the other.

TEXTING SYMBOLS

Let’s not forget the texting symbols which made their appearance several years ago. As a refresher, should you need one, here are the most popular:

· :) Smiley face / happy

· =) Happy

· :-) Happy

· :( Sad

· =( Sad

· :' ) Happy Tears

· :-* Kiss

· :-D Laughing

Slang changes so quickly that often by the time you see it in print, something newer and more exciting has emerged. While the Equinox greeters are a wonderful source for just about everything, I needed “yut” to give me the latest word. Who better than my late husband Ed’s grandchildren? Ranging in age from 12 to 18, I figured my very own “Slangsters” would be a timely and reliable linguistic source. Here is what they gleefully explained to their Noni:

· “Yas Queen” means that’s really good.

· “Salty” means aggravated.

· “Bussin” means good or cool.

· “Yoked” means muscular.

· “Fendi” means that’s true.

· “No cap” means no lie.

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT BEFORE JUMPING IN

Now you know the latest. But, one word of advice. Wait until you’ve heard these conversational slang words and expressions used several times so that you understand their context correctly. While these recent examples may be current today, they could also be “The Cat’s pajamas” by the time you try them out!

Last year David Brooks used the word “woke” in one of his NYT editorial columns. I had heard the term earlier when a woman in her mid-40s told me she wanted to make up a T-Shirt which said “I’ve been woke since the 90’s.” I was too embarrassed to ask its meaning at the time. However, when Brooks used “woke” —which means “awakened” or “with it” as in being aware of racial discrimination and other social injustices—I figured it was time to tune in.

THE COLORFUL USE OF SLANG

SUBCULTURES’ INVENTION OF WORDS

There is an insider factor when you use slang, too. Slang tends to stress a social and/or contextual meaning. It infers that you belong to a group of like-minded people. It separates you from others and sometimes, in so doing, marks you as being cool.

The word “cool” itself is probably my first encounter with slang. I remember when I was a teenager people used “cool” to mean someone who had it all together. It implied both self-control and composure. “Cool” is a perfect example of what I call a classic slang term as we still use it today. While its meaning may have altered a bit over time and acquired slightly different meanings based on which subgroup was using it, “cool” remains a solid fixture in the English language.

BEWARE OF OUTDATED SLANG

Unlike “cool,” most slang expressions don’t remain fresh forever. I remember years ago using a French slang expression hoping to impress a client and famous Burgundy winemaker, Joseph Drouhin. He looked quite surprised that an American knew how to use the slang term “enquiquinant” which means “bothersome.” I was quite pleased with myself, until his two teenaged children at the table started to snicker and roll their eyes. Clearly, the term’s fashionability had faded and I was coming across to the kids like a piece of wilted lettuce.

JARGON VS SLANG

When special language is used among a specific profession or industry, it is considered jargon. The goal of jargon is to optimize a conversation by using terms that assume technical knowledge. For example, in the wine industry, where I spent most of my career, words such as “legs, wet dog” and “funky” have a specific meaning. When used, it separates wine professionals out as being special as the average person does not have the technical knowledge of how these terms should be utilized. Employing slang or jargon, the same result is achieved: excluding others and making the users feel distinctively unique.

COLLOQUIAL VS SLANG

Slang can also be regional in which case it is called “colloquial.” For example, in Boston the word “wicked” is used as an intensifier meaning “very.” That was a “wicked delicious” dinner. By using this word, you set yourself apart, almost a verbal high-five to your fellow Bostonians.

WANNA SHARE A COKE AND A HOAGIE?

Another confusing colloquialism comes from the UK. I first time heard it after signing my name on a credit card slip. The waiter exclaimed brightly, “Brilliant” and I thought “hardly” meaning anyone can do it so why am I so clever? Hearing it repeatedly during my London stay, I came to understand through its context that its equivalent was “good job” or “great,” both slightly overstatements for the simple task, by American standards.

PORTMANTEAU

Sometimes people combine words to create slang with a new meaning. The linguistic term for this is “portmanteau.” How appropriate, as the word itself is French and means an “overcoat” or a word on top of a word. A good example of this is Bromance referring to a special relationship between two straight men. Another popular portmanteau is Ginormous, a combination of “gigantic” and “enormous” meaning exceptionally big.

DO YOU SPEAK VALSPEAK?

Do you remember the first time you heard the word “like?” If not, allow me to remind you. Do you recall the Valley girl phenomenon back in the 1980s? This originated among young, upper-middle-class white women called “Valley girls” from commuter communities in the San Fernando Valley. It was part of their way of speaking—or “valspeak”—which when used emphasized what they were saying. For example, “She is—like—so full of herself.” Valspeak lingo also incorporated slang adjectives such as “way” and “totally” in place of the word “really.”

THAT’S AWESOME!

The slang expression “that’s funny” (or, for you texters FTF) was something Chandni Patel, a top New York publicist, used to say all the time when she worked for me. But, it rarely meant what it implies. Within the context of its use, it more commonly signified “that’s strange, weird or unbelievable” which always confused me. Then, I realized Chandni was using the idiom for emphasis. I also think “that’s funny” was a generational expression as I’ve heard other people Chandni’s age using it with frequency.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I enjoy keeping my ears attuned to new uses of words. One which is popular now is the double “good.” I assume “good-good” means exceptionally good. Right? Another one is “I know” used as a confirmation or an agreement. But the “know” needs to be said with a lift in your voice to capture the desired impact of self resignation. Even broadcasters say it now. Vice President Biden uses the idiom “look” all the time which I thought was defensive the first time I heard it. My interpretation of it now is “come on” as if encouraging someone to agree with your point of view.

“THAT’S THE TEA”

LETTER COMBOS

TEXTING SYMBOLS

Let’s not forget the texting symbols which made their appearance several years ago. As a refresher, should you need one, here are the most popular:

· :) Smiley face / happy

· =) Happy

· :-) Happy

· :( Sad

· =( Sad

· :' ) Happy Tears

· :-* Kiss

· :-D Laughing

Slang changes so quickly that often by the time you see it in print, something newer and more exciting has emerged. While the Equinox greeters are a wonderful source for just about anything, I needed “yut” to give me the latest word. Who better than my late husband Ed’s grandchildren? Ranging in age from 12 to 18, I figured they would be a timely and reliable linguistic source. Here is what they gleefully explained to their Noni:

· “Yas Queen” means that’s really good.

· “Salty” means aggravated.

· “Bussin” means good or cool.

· “Yoked” means muscular.

· “Fendi” means that’s true.

· “No cap” means no lie.

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT BEFORE JUMPING IN