WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
slang•y
(slang′ē),USA pronunciation adj., slang•i•er, slang•i•est.
slang′i•ly, adv.
slang′i•ness, n.
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026- of, of the nature of, or containing slang:a slangy expression.
- using much slang:slangy speech.
- slang1 + -y1 1840–50
slang′i•ness, n.
slang1 /slæŋ/USA pronunciation
n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Linguisticsvery informal words and idioms, normally not used in formal situations and sometimes containing vulgar or otherwise socially unacceptable vocabulary.
slang1
(slang),USA pronunciation n.
v.i.
v.t.
slang2 (slang),USA pronunciation v. [Nonstandard.]
- Linguisticsvery informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language, as Hit the road.
- Linguistics(in English and some other languages) speech and writing characterized by the use of vulgar and socially taboo vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Linguisticsthe jargon of a particular class, profession, etc.
- Linguisticsthe special vocabulary of thieves, vagabonds, etc.;
argot.
v.i.
- to use slang or abusive language.
v.t.
- to assail with abusive language.
- origin, originally uncertain 1750–60
- 4. cant.
slang2 (slang),USA pronunciation v. [Nonstandard.]
- Slang Termspt. of sling 1.
'slangy' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):