New words are added to the English dictionary every day. Ever wonder why some words make it into the dictionary and become official words while others are still considered slang?
Today, we use slang like cool, sweet and texting. Our parents used slang like groovy and yuppie. Slang changes and evolves all the time so it can be nearly impossible to keep up with all the new words and their meaning. This is why we need to be careful how we use slang when writing since it is only used by a particular subgroup, not everyone will understand its meaning.
It is important to know the distinction of when it is appropriate to use slang in your writing. Below are a few tips:
- Slang as long as it is not vulgar or offensive. It works well in quotes if the context helps define its meaning
- Confirm whether slang is widely known or considered offensive, check the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Be wary of using slang not found in the dictionary.
- Use when appropriate (this is not always)
- It can be tempting to us truncated words but make sure it is used in the proper context or if you are trying to have a casual effort. When in doubt, don’t do it!
- Don’t turn nouns into verbs unless the word has already made the jump into common usage as a verb.
- Avoid using quotation marks unless it is a new or unfamiliar term for your readers.
Keep in mind that you need to think before using slang careful not to offend anyone. Make sure the story is understandable to those who may be unfamiliar with the terms. Slang can enhance stories by making it leap off the page. It can help boost emotions and enhance your readers’ reaction to a story. Never be afraid to use slang but remember the rules! If your audience can’t understand a word that you are writing then your story is useless.
