Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of or resembling slang: Describes language, expressions, or a manner of speaking that is informal, non-standard, and often used within specific social or professional groups.
   • Given to using slang: Describes a person who frequently uses informal, colloquial, or non-standard vocabulary in their speech.

Usage

The adjective "slangy" is used to qualify nouns related to language or speech. It often carries a neutral to slightly informal tone and can describe both the nature of the language itself and the habits of a speaker. - Use it to describe informal, non-academic, or group-specific language. - It can imply a casual, modern, or sometimes trendy quality.

Examples

• Describing language or expressions:
  • The dialogue in the novel was deliberately slangy to reflect the speech of urban teenagers.
  • He used a slangy term that I didn't understand.
• Describing a person or their speech:
  • Her slangy way of talking made her popular with the younger crowd.
  • The comedian's slangy delivery is a key part of his appeal.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic or stylistic analysis: "Slangy" can be used to critique or categorize a register of language that deviates from formal standards.
  • The article criticized the slangy deterioration of professional journalism.
• As a comparative or superlative: While less common, "slangier" and "slangiest" can be used.
  • His newer songs have much slangier lyrics than his early work.

Variants and Related Words

• Slang (n): The type of informal language itself.
  • That word is considered slang.
• Slangily (adv): In a slangy manner.
  • He answered slangily, "No way, dude!"
• Slanginess (n): The quality of being slangy.
  • The slanginess of the text made it difficult to translate formally.

Synonyms

• Colloquial: Characteristic of familiar and informal conversation.
• Vernacular: Using the language or dialect of a particular region or group.
• Informal: Not formal or ceremonious; casual.
• Jargonistic: Using specialized terms of a particular profession or group (more specific than "slangy").

Antonyms

• Formal: Following or according with established form, custom, or rule.
• Literary: Characteristic of written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
• Standard: Conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Slangy" itself is not typically used in set idioms. The related noun "slang" is used instead.) - To use slang: To employ informal, non-standard vocabulary. - It's fine to use slang with friends, but avoid it in a formal report. - Slang term/word for: An informal word for something. - "Bread" is old slang for money.

Adjective

1. constituting or expressed in slang or given to the use of slang
   • a slangy expression
   • slangy speech