A Deep Dive into the History of English Language Slang

By Tari

Jun 10, 2025

In Linguistics

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Slang. It's colorful, it's rebellious, and it's constantly evolving. But where did it all begin? The history of English language slang is a fascinating journey through centuries of social change, linguistic creativity, and the perpetual desire to be a little bit different. This article explores the rich tapestry of slang, tracing its roots and examining how it has shaped the way we communicate.

The Genesis of English Slang: Early Origins

The origins of slang are murky, like trying to trace the source of a river through a swamp. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact starting point because slang, by its very nature, is informal and often unrecorded. However, we can identify some key contributing factors to its early development.

One major influence was the emergence of distinct social groups and subcultures. As society became more complex, different groups – such as thieves, vagrants, and even students – began to develop their own secret languages or argots. These argots served several purposes: to identify members of the group, to exclude outsiders, and to facilitate illicit activities. Think of it as a secret handshake, but with words.

For example, the 'canting language' used by beggars and criminals in the 16th and 17th centuries was full of colorful terms designed to confuse the uninitiated. Words like "prig" (thief) and "ken" (house) were part of this underworld lexicon. These early forms of slang were often born out of necessity, providing a way for marginalized groups to communicate discreetly and protect themselves. Some scholars believe Romani language had a significant influence on cant.

Another contributing factor was the inherent human desire for linguistic innovation. Language is never static; it's constantly changing and evolving. Slang is simply one manifestation of this process. People are naturally inclined to play with words, to create new expressions, and to find fresh ways of conveying meaning. This playful spirit is a key driver of slang development.

Slang in the Shakespearean Era: Coinage and Creativity

The Elizabethan era, with William Shakespeare at its helm, was a golden age for English, and also a fertile ground for the growth of slang. Shakespeare himself was a master of language, and his works are peppered with slang terms and colloquialisms that reflect the vibrant street life of London. Terms like "swagger," "fusty," and "bawdy" were all part of the slang vocabulary of the time.

What’s particularly interesting about Shakespeare's use of slang is that he often coined his own terms. He wasn't just reflecting the language of the streets; he was actively shaping it. Many of the words and phrases that we now consider standard English were once considered slang or informal. This highlights the fluid and dynamic relationship between slang and standard language.

Furthermore, the rise of printing and the increasing literacy rates during this period helped to spread slang terms more widely. Plays, pamphlets, and ballads circulated throughout the country, exposing people to new words and expressions. The theatre, in particular, played a crucial role in popularizing slang, as audiences from all walks of life came together to enjoy the latest productions.

The 18th and 19th Centuries: Slang and Social Class

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a further expansion of slang, driven by factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and the rise of a more complex social hierarchy. As people migrated to cities in search of work, they came into contact with a wider range of social groups and dialects. This created a melting pot of languages and cultures, which, in turn, fostered the development of new slang terms.

During this period, slang became increasingly associated with specific social classes. For example, the upper classes had their own set of slang terms and expressions, which were often used to distinguish themselves from the lower classes. Similarly, working-class communities developed their own slang, which reflected their experiences and concerns.

The emergence of specialized slang vocabularies also became more prominent during this time. Professions like the military, the police, and the merchant marine developed their own unique slang terms to communicate effectively and efficiently within their respective fields. These specialized slangs often drew upon foreign languages, technical jargon, and local dialects.

The Rogues' Lexicon, dictionaries and glossaries of underworld slang, also became popular, offering a glimpse into the secret language of criminals and vagrants. These publications, while often sensationalized, provided valuable insights into the evolution of slang and its connection to social deviance.

20th Century Slang: Pop Culture and Mass Media

The 20th century witnessed an explosion of slang, fueled by the rise of pop culture, mass media, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Radio, television, and film all played a significant role in disseminating slang terms to a wider audience. Music, in particular, became a powerful force in shaping slang, with genres like jazz, blues, and rock and roll introducing new words and phrases into the mainstream.

The youth culture also had a profound impact on slang during this period. Young people, seeking to assert their independence and create their own identity, often adopted and adapted slang terms to express their unique perspectives and values. Terms like "cool," "groovy," and "far out" became synonymous with the youth culture of the 1960s and 70s.

The internet and social media have further accelerated the spread of slang in the 21st century. Online forums, chat rooms, and social networking sites provide a platform for people to create and share new slang terms at an unprecedented rate. Memes, viral videos, and online communities have all contributed to the rapid evolution of slang in the digital age. Terms like “lit”, “shade”, and “stan” have quickly gone from internet subculture to more mainstream usage.

The Evolution of Slang: From Obscurity to Mainstream

One of the most fascinating aspects of slang is its tendency to evolve over time. Slang terms often start out as niche expressions used by small groups of people. However, if a particular term resonates with a wider audience, it may gradually spread into the mainstream and eventually become accepted as standard English.

This process of linguistic assimilation is influenced by a variety of factors, including social trends, cultural shifts, and media exposure. Terms that are initially considered shocking or rebellious may become commonplace over time as society's attitudes and values change.

For example, the word "awesome" was once considered slang, but it is now widely accepted as a standard English term. Similarly, the word "OK" has a rather interesting and debated origin story linked to a humorous misspelling that then spread as slang before eventually becoming standard. This highlights the unpredictable and often surprising nature of language change. Many words we use regularly started as slang.

The Future of Slang: Trends and Predictions

So, what does the future hold for slang? It's difficult to say for sure, but we can make some educated guesses based on current trends. One thing is certain: slang will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing social and cultural landscape.

The internet and social media will likely continue to play a major role in shaping slang in the years to come. As new platforms and technologies emerge, they will provide new opportunities for people to create and share slang terms. We can also expect to see slang becoming increasingly globalized, as people from different countries and cultures interact with each other online.

Another trend to watch is the increasing influence of youth culture on slang. Young people are often at the forefront of linguistic innovation, and their slang terms often spread quickly through social media and popular culture. As the younger generations come of age, they will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we communicate.

Ultimately, the history of English language slang is a testament to the creativity, adaptability, and resilience of human language. Slang is not just a collection of funny words and phrases; it's a reflection of our ever-changing society and culture. As long as people continue to innovate and communicate, slang will continue to thrive.