5 Reasons Why Hip Slang Words Are Important
Whether through spoken language, text messages, or social media posts, we can’t deny slang's popularity and frequent usage in our regular interactions and conversations. It serves a profound function in our daily lives, and someone who is not familiar with commonly used modern slang words wouldn’t be able to keep up with society.
The term "slang" refers to extremely casual language that is more metaphorical, whimsical, humorous, expressive, and dramatic than formal language. Standard dialect, colloquialisms, and catchphrases are not the same as slang. Various groups of people frequently adopt it and circulate from city to city. It might be used for amusement and makes the language multicultural and exciting. Also, it can be a way to express oneself uniquely or passionately.
5 Reasons Why Hip Slang Words Are Important
Here are the five reasons justifying why hip slang words are essential to language development:
1. Understand the Culture of a Language
Slang is more than just words and expressions used casually. It involves learning about the communities that use and have used the language, as well as its history. If you're learning English, including British, Canadian, or Australian slang phrases in your vocabulary will help you understand the language's historical background and introduce you to new cultural allusions. Thus, modern slang words based language acquisition may enhance your entire cultural experience.
Slang is used constantly in TV shows, literature, songs, or podcasts. If you don't grasp the most prevalent slang terms' meanings, you can miss out on some significant cultural aspects of the language you're learning. So, you must have a fundamental comprehension of slang.
It is also crucial to be aware that idioms rarely translate exactly from one language to another. In Spanish, the term "aburrido como una ostra (bored like an oyster)" is used to convey the same meaning that the English expression “bored to death” does.
1. Keep up with your Age Fellows
You must be able to keep up with others to take part in a conversation actively. This is especially true of casual, everyday interactions that take place informally with fellow friends and family. It is not challenging; you just need to keep up with the beat. One of the best attributes of slang is that it is one of the languages with the fastest rate of development. You must learn new, trendy, hip slang words if you want to be considered advanced. It might be a little embarrassing if you aren’t able to understand the meaning of a slang term among a group of your age fellows. Thankfully, slang is frequently used to keep sentences brief and straightforward. In other words, it energises and livens up the debate by making use of short yet creative and compelling phrases. Here is how you can easily connect with other people by using slang terms:
● By acquiring a range of new and old slang terms, you will be able to converse with people from different generations.
● Speaking in slang will ultimately help you blend in and build connections with your group.
● Modern slang words will allow you to engage in dynamic conversations and partake in every discussion on an equal footing.
● Knowing them has the tremendous advantage that you can use them freely while speaking informally to someone.
● You may express a broader range of emotions with slang and communicate more effectively on public transportation, in cafes and restaurants, and with locals.
1. A Huge Linguistic Faux-Pas to Avoid
Undoubtedly, contemplating and memorising popular slang terms is one of the most difficult aspects of learning a new language. You will certainly utilise a slang expression that will make you sound amusing. Moreover, hip slang words and phrases frequently contain deep hidden meanings that non-native speakers miss. Some people might view some English slang phrases as offensive or derogatory. This is exemplified by the British slang term "bloody," which denotes anger or irritation. For instance, while textbooks in Spanish claim that the word "estupido" simply means "stupid" in English, "estupido" is a far more serious insult to Spanish speakers. Thus, you can put yourself in unpleasant social circumstances when you offend someone by saying something unintentionally. This mostly happens when you’re unable to
learn the subtleties of the language and the variety of modern slang words.
1. Be Creative!
Slang is frequently referred to as a kaleidoscopic language. It actually adds colour to language, making it more imaginative, captivating, and enchanting. When learning French, you will discover that many terms have been derived from other languages. For instance, French has adapted the Arabic word Kiffer, which means to like. Instead of repeating aimer (a French word that means to like), they use Kiffer to add creativity to their statements. Similarly, poets and writers also employ slang in literature to set a scene or reveal something about the characters' personalities.
It is seen as a clever, contemporary way to give an artistry vibe to the listeners or the readers.
1. Foster a Sense of Community
Slang is utilised to foster a sense of community and belonging. Groups of people in particular places will use slang in addition to local dialects to feel like they belong to a category. You must apprehend regional slang when living abroad if you want to fully integrate into local culture. It can happen that two nearby cities have different slang terms for the same meaning, allowing one to be distinguished from the other. Therefore, learning the slang spoken in a particular area of a city, country, or region will help you become more familiar with its users. In other words, you start making connections and understanding the ideas of your community members. It indicates that using modern slang words can help you socialise and build relationships.
Slang words
Below are some of the hip slang words that are most often used in modern English:
● Lit
"Lit" refers to something excellent, entertaining, or thrilling.
● Extra
Someone who is "extra" is too dramatic, extravagant, or a "drama queen," according to the dictionary.
● Salty
When someone becomes agitated or furious over a trivial matter, you can refer to them as salty.
● Ghosting someone
It is referred to when you stop talking to someone you no longer find attractive.
● To flex
Another way to describe that someone is being showy.
● Lowkey
In contrast to high key, lowkey can be used to indicate that you enjoyed or did something covertly, subtly, or discreetly.
● Highkey
When a person is emphasising something as significant, the phrase "high-key" is employed.
Final Note
Slang should be a part of your language acquisition if you're committed to using the terms appropriately. You will be better able to carry on conversations, integrate into groups and prevent misunderstandings. Simply, hip slang words will assist you in grasping the essence of the language and excitingly portraying your ideas. You can have fun developing your communication skills and knowledge of the informal English language by picking up some modern slang words.