Slang. It's the vibrant, ever-evolving underbelly of language, a constantly shifting landscape of words and phrases that reflects our culture, our humor, and our rebelliousness. But where does slang come from? How does it evolve? Join us on a journey through the fascinating history of English language slang, exploring its origins, its key moments, and its enduring impact on how we communicate.
The Murky Origins: Early Seeds of English Slang
The precise origins of slang are difficult to pinpoint. After all, by its very nature, slang is often born in the shadows, among marginalized groups or those seeking to create a sense of exclusivity. However, we can trace some early examples back centuries. The history of English language slang isn’t a straight line; it’s a tangled web of influences, innovations, and appropriations.
One key source is criminal underworlds. Groups operating outside the law often develop their own secret languages, both to communicate discreetly and to identify each other. These “cant” languages, as they’re often called, contribute words and phrases that sometimes leak into wider usage. Think of terms like “swag” or “loot,” which have murky origins possibly tied to criminal contexts.
Another significant source is the various dialects and regional languages that have influenced English over time. As English absorbed words from other languages and as different regions developed their own unique ways of speaking, new slang terms arose organically. These regional variations provided fertile ground for slang to take root and spread.
Shakespeare's Slang: Early Modern English Expressions
Believe it or not, even Shakespeare dabbled in slang! While his language is often considered elevated and poetic, a closer look reveals instances of slang and colloquialisms that would have resonated with his contemporary audiences. Terms like "swaggering," "fusty," and "gossip" were relatively new or had slangy connotations in Shakespeare’s time. His use of these terms demonstrates that slang was already a vibrant part of the English language in the Early Modern period. Shakespeare’s adoption of the language of the streets for the stage helped to cement the idea that language was alive, dynamic and fun.
The Rise of Cockney Rhyming Slang: A London Linguistic Innovation
No discussion of English language slang is complete without mentioning Cockney rhyming slang. Originating in the East End of London in the 19th century, this ingenious form of slang involves replacing a word with a rhyming phrase, and then often omitting the rhyming part altogether. For example,
