The Caveat contained stories of vagabond life, a description of their society and techniques, a taxonomy of rogues, and a short canting dictionary which was later reproduced in other works. The first books containing slang also appeared around that time: Robert Copland's The hye way to the Spytlell hous was a dialogue in verse between Copland and the porter of St Bartholomew's Hospital, which included thieves' cant and in 1566, Thomas Harman's A Caveat or Warning for Common Cursitors, vulgarly called vagabonds was published. The first recorded uses of slang in Britain occurred in the 16th century in the plays of Thomas Dekker, Thomas Middleton and William Shakespeare. By the time slang has been written down, it has been in use some time and has, in some cases, become almost mainstream. Slang, more than any other language, remains spoken and resists being recorded on paper (or for that matter any other medium). The dating of slang words and phrases is difficult due to the nature of slang. Recognising that there are many definitions, he goes on to say, "Among the many descriptions of slang, one thing is common, it is a long way from mainstream English". Jonathon Green, in his 1999 book The Cassell Dictionary of Slang, defines slang as "A counter language, the language of the rebel, the outlaw, the despised and the marginal". The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar (1994) defines it as "Words, phrases, and uses that are regarded as informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar to specific profession, classes etc". ![]() It is often used to identify with one's peers and, although it may be common among young people, it is used by people of all ages and social groups.Ĭollins English Dictionary (3rd edition) defines slang as "Vocabulary, idiom etc that is not appropriate to the standard form of a language or to formal contexts, may be restricted as to social status or distribution, and is characteristically more metaphorical and transitory than standard language". Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo (see euphemism). Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. ![]() Many of the words and phrases listed in this article are no longer in current use. Lexicographer Eric Partridge published several works about British slang, most notably Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, revised and edited by Paul Beale. Not only is the slang used by British expats, but some of these terms are incorporated into other countries' everyday slang, such as in Australia, Canada and Ireland.īritish slang has been the subject of many books, including a seven volume dictionary published in 1889. Įnglish-speaking nations of the former British Empire may also use this slang, but also incorporate their own slang words to reflect their different cultures. ![]() London slang has many varieties, the best known of which is rhyming slang. The nations of the United Kingdom, which are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all have their own slang words, as does London. Others are restricted to smaller regions, even to small geographical areas. While some slang words and phrases are used throughout Britain (e.g. The language of slang, in common with the English language, is changing all the time new words and phrases are being added and some are used so frequently by so many, they almost become mainstream. Slang is informal language sometimes peculiar to a particular social class or group and its use in Britain dates back to before the 15th century. It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. British slang is English-language slang originating from and used in the United Kingdom and also used to a limited extent in Anglophone countries such as Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, especially by British expatriates.
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