(opinion article)

Language is constantly evolving. From ancient dialects to internet memes, the way we speak reflects how we live, what we value and how we connect with others. Among the many layers of language, slang holds a unique place.

So, why do people use slang? The answer goes far beyond just sounding “cool.” Slang is a powerful tool for communication, identity, and emotion, especially in informal or social settings.

One of the most common reasons people use slang is to feel part of a group. Whether it’s teenagers using expressions like “lit” or “sus” or sports fans bonding over phrases they only understand, slang creates a shared language. It sends the message: “I get you. I’m one of you.”

In youth culture, especially, slang can act as a badge of identity. It helps young people set themselves apart from adults, shaping a world of their own.

Efficiency is another key reason slang thrives. Why say “television” when you can say “TV”? Why type out “laughing out loud” when “LOL” does the trick in three quick letters?

Slang often shortens or simplifies phrases, making speech and writing faster and more convenient, especially in texting and online chats, where brevity is golden.

There’s no denying that slang can be fun. It adds personality to conversations and often brings humor into everyday speech. Words like “vibe,” “ghosting,” or “throwing shade” carry meanings that are hard to capture with formal language.

In this way, slang also reflects trends and popular culture. The words we use can tell us what’s fashionable, what’s taboo and what’s changing in society.

Slang also serves as a cultural fingerprint. Different communities, such as geographic, ethnic, professional, develop their own slang terms that reflect their experiences and values. Take, for instance, the differences in slang between regions.

Likewise, professions like the military, medicine or law enforcement have their own unique slang, used both for speed and group cohesion.

Sometimes, no formal word expresses a feeling quite like a slang term. Whether it’s the sheer joy of shouting “Yasss!” or the sting of being “burned,” slang captures raw emotion with impact and immediacy. These expressions can heighten the intensity of speech and make it more relatable and human.

While slang may change quickly, its role in communication is timeless. From Shakespeare inventing phrases to modern TikTok creators spreading new lingo, slang evolves with each generation. And though some people dismiss it as improper or lazy, experts argue that it is, in fact, a sign of linguistic creativity and social intelligence.

In the end, slang isn’t just about words. It’s about people. It reflects how we connect, how we express ourselves and how we belong. Far from being a language outlier, slang is at the heart of how humans speak, adapt and live.