Language Assignment: Research and Describe History of Slang (Essay Sample)

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History of Slang
Any living language like English can be defined as the dynamic flow of written and spoken words. The language flows around itself and creates new meanings as people use it. The term slang is composed of lexicon of number of non-standard phrases and words in specific language. The usage of these phrases and words is normally associated with addition of standard variety. In few contexts based on the speaker’s selection regarding slang words, it may convey prestige or distinguishing group members. Slang is considered as a worldwide language in various forms. One can also term slang as Esperanto. However, each slang used is based on a particular language. The underlying images and themes related to slang is the parts of body, crime, policing and prisons, physical access through drugs or drinks, homosexuality, insanity, money and pain. Thus, slangs are indeed universal for as long as they have been recorded.
Most lexicographers and linguistics admit that the exact origin of the word ‘slang’ is unknown or uncertain. One noteworthy exception regarding the origin is a lexicographer, Skeat. He claims that the word ‘slang’ originated form Scandinavian region and it was derived from Icelandic word slyngva meaning ‘to sling.’ This can also be compared to Norwegian verb ‘slengia’ and Norwegian noun ‘slengjeord’. It is used mainly for insulting words in Norwegian. On similar terms, another linguist named partridge explains that a certain resemblance between Scandinavian sling and English word slang. She explains in her book that both have been developed from a Germanic root.
On the contrary, few researchers consider the word slang to be developed form English slang. For instance, a Swedish researcher explained in her article that Swedish word slang originated form English slang. Moreover, the origin of the word is unknown. Also, she also explains an identical opinion with the Swedish encyclopedia which provides that word slang wasn’t introduced until the 19th century in Nordic countries. The first occurrence of slang dates back to 1756 in OED. According to OED, the ultimate source of the word slang is ‘not apparent’. Thus, the word ‘slang’ appeared earlier in the English language as compared to Scandinavian countries.
The whole phenomenon of slang initiated well before it got this name ‘slang’. According to another researcher, slang is nearly as old as the speech itself. The traces of this can be found as far as one can refer back. The historic old English slang was dependent more upon the vulgarity and it was coarser than modern slang. In those days, slang was generally termed as the flash language. It is also essential to note that the word ‘slang’ was initially recognized in 1785 by Grose. He defined the term as vulgar or cant language. Many other attempts have been made to define the term slang but have not been able to come up with a unique meaning. In addition, the attitude of scholars, general public and linguists evokes different reactions to this term. These reactions are mostly discordant and antagonistic.
Another researcher, John Ayto, writes about the term slang in this book that the term was first used in the middle of 18th century. It was used to refer to special vocabulary set by disreputable characters in the society. The term was used to refer to thieves in earlier centuries. On other hand, another researcher explains the variations in pronunciations and dialects in middle ages. The term ‘slang’ was also represented by various writers such as William of Malmesbury, William Caxton and Chauser. The meaning of the term used presently started to take this form in the 17th century.
English Criminal Court has also been linked with the starting point of slang. It originated as a new form of speech used by the criminals in gambling houses and s...