life words | Eve Maddock-Jones
R U HELLA ON FLEEK? Slang - a glaring misuse of register. Not.
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lang is a genre of language acting in a somewhat informal, colloquial form of communication. Previously more common in speech than writing, the trend has spread further via the use of media communications to even encompass pictures, aka emojis. Whilst stereotypically associated with the younger adult age groups, it is a generational trend crucial for developing language itself. Through the apparently cryptic use of letters, numbers and pictures reiterating phonic sounds, it allows more to be said with fewer words. Speaking is the most historic form of communication having been recorded and present in all Homo sapiens societies. It’s this most basic instinct which has enabled development, evident when compared to our now more eloquent, and broader vocabulary of the 21st century. Slang acts almost as a mutation within language and should not be frowned upon. It is only from changes that advancements
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can occur. Of course, not all phrases are amiable; many are bawdy and vulgar, but these still add to the dimension of language and give it more depth. To have a variety of words or phrases for a single idea allows for greater self-expression. Take one of the most stereotypically popular topics of literature, music, film, stage, even daily life; love. There are an unfathomable amount of different ways to express and describe love due to multitude of different kinds, all of which is only achievable in explicitly defining the convoluted concept through the use of words. Slang aids the creation for new verbs and adjectives to allow us to express our ideas clearly to another person. Nobody can say that they do not use slang because within each society there are words exclusive to those individuals. Taking Gibraltar as a case study the local language here is generically described as “llanito”. Created as a hybrid of English
and Spanish to amalgamate both to form our own particular, individual language. Within this, there exists numerous phrases, informal and somewhat indecipherable to outsiders, for example: “Chochi” (girl) “Chuni” or Shuni” (cute), “Eres de lo que no hay” (you’re acting strangley) , “Estas empepinado” (you’re mad) and “Hasheando” (gossiping). These local phrases help delineate the uniqueness of being a Gibraltarian. Indeed, a parallel can be seen in England. In the eastern parts of London there’s a deep rooted culture expressed via ‘cockney-rhyming-slang’. The locals converse in a somewhat riddle like fashion; where “apples and pears” translates to “going upstairs”. Born from the, somewhat ingenious, technique of rhyming couplets, thus creating a hidden meaning. These vernacular phrases create an identity to that local community. This local terminology is representative of the class, culture and character of its members; borne from slang adaptations.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE AUGUST 2015