I thought that this article about slang was really amusing and informative. Before reading the article, I probably would have said that most slang words were created by rebellious young people, because that’s the pop-culture definition of slang, even though I have recognized some slang words from their roots (I knew that “swag” came from the verb “swagger,” for example). Now, I feel like I’m more likely to try and figure out where slang words originate from. On this line of thought, I’d like to find out what a linguists take on YOLO is and where the expression stemmed from or whether it truly was “new”. I like the metaphor of the English language being an ocean, because that implies variability, which is, in my opinion, an intrinsic aspect of any language, and it accounts for the words/sayings that drift in and out of our vernacular.
This article was fabulous because it proves that some of the things we say aren’t just nonsense and destroying the English language like older generations like to say that we are. But it’s also kind of strange to know that the things we say, people have been saying for years before us. It makes things feel less original, like they used Bieber as an example, he used the word ‘swag’ so much and we all were like “wow, so cool, so hip” but in reality people have been saying swag FOREVER. I was shocked even more about the word Bae, I thought that was brand new, but I guess not. What I would like to ask is why do some slang words die, but others don’t. Why is there such a generational difference in slang? If slang can be from so long ago, how come only certain generations use some of the words?
Slang for the Ages explains the origin of slang, which contrary to common belief are not new words, for example the word swag was originally used by William Shakespeare. The article was interesting for a few reasons. First, the fact that slang was not made by teenagers that were trying to be cool and different from their parents generation, but in fact by some of the best authors the world has ever seen, such as Shakespeare. Second, the fact that slang has been around for so long. For example a word like swag, which most would agree is over used and annoying some how has survived since the late 1500's. And third, the fact that some slang is so popular that they have been added to the dictionary. Something that the article fails to mention is why slang is so heavily used in society. The article explains when specific slang was created, but doesn't explain why, or why they're still in use.
I find this article quiet amusing. Tons of teenagers use these words like dude, swag bae and etcetera with no actual knowledge of what they are saying. So many people don’t realize that these words are not original, that they actually were originated by people like Shakespeare and other “old” humans. I think if people knew this fact it would be a lot less cool to say these words.
I found “Slang for the Ages” really surprising! I knew people used slang words throughout the 20th century but never really considered the use of slang before that. I was especially surprised that the word “swag” had a history, especially one that went all the way back to William Shakespeare. The article states that slang mainly evolves out of English. I feel like a lot of the slang terms we use today have derived from the music industry. This makes me question how many of the “slang” terms used today actually have historical meaning to them. I like that this article addresses how people think slang is degrading to the English language. The fact of the matter is everyone uses slang to some extent.
I thought that this article about slang was really amusing and informative. Before reading the article, I probably would have said that most slang words were created by rebellious young people, because that’s the pop-culture definition of slang, even though I have recognized some slang words from their roots (I knew that “swag” came from the verb “swagger,” for example). Now, I feel like I’m more likely to try and figure out where slang words originate from. On this line of thought, I’d like to find out what a linguists take on YOLO is and where the expression stemmed from or whether it truly was “new”. I like the metaphor of the English language being an ocean, because that implies variability, which is, in my opinion, an intrinsic aspect of any language, and it accounts for the words/sayings that drift in and out of our vernacular.
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ReplyDeleteThis article was fabulous because it proves that some of the things we say aren’t just nonsense and destroying the English language like older generations like to say that we are. But it’s also kind of strange to know that the things we say, people have been saying for years before us. It makes things feel less original, like they used Bieber as an example, he used the word ‘swag’ so much and we all were like “wow, so cool, so hip” but in reality people have been saying swag FOREVER. I was shocked even more about the word Bae, I thought that was brand new, but I guess not. What I would like to ask is why do some slang words die, but others don’t. Why is there such a generational difference in slang? If slang can be from so long ago, how come only certain generations use some of the words?
ReplyDeleteSlang for the Ages explains the origin of slang, which contrary to common belief are not new words, for example the word swag was originally used by William Shakespeare. The article was interesting for a few reasons. First, the fact that slang was not made by teenagers that were trying to be cool and different from their parents generation, but in fact by some of the best authors the world has ever seen, such as Shakespeare. Second, the fact that slang has been around for so long. For example a word like swag, which most would agree is over used and annoying some how has survived since the late 1500's. And third, the fact that some slang is so popular that they have been added to the dictionary. Something that the article fails to mention is why slang is so heavily used in society. The article explains when specific slang was created, but doesn't explain why, or why they're still in use.
ReplyDeleteI find this article quiet amusing. Tons of teenagers use these words like dude, swag bae and etcetera with no actual knowledge of what they are saying. So many people don’t realize that these words are not original, that they actually were originated by people like Shakespeare and other “old” humans. I think if people knew this fact it would be a lot less cool to say these words.
ReplyDeleteI found “Slang for the Ages” really surprising! I knew people used slang words throughout the 20th century but never really considered the use of slang before that. I was especially surprised that the word “swag” had a history, especially one that went all the way back to William Shakespeare. The article states that slang mainly evolves out of English. I feel like a lot of the slang terms we use today have derived from the music industry. This makes me question how many of the “slang” terms used today actually have historical meaning to them. I like that this article addresses how people think slang is degrading to the English language. The fact of the matter is everyone uses slang to some extent.
ReplyDelete