How do slang and idioms differ in casual English speech
Slang and idioms both enrich casual English speech but differ clearly in meaning, usage, and stability. Slang consists of informal, often playful words or phrases that are typically specific to certain social groups, regions, or age cohorts. It is dynamic and changes rapidly over time, sometimes even becoming obsolete after a while. Examples of slang include words like “lit” (exciting) or “flex” (to show off). Slang can be short terms or new expressions and is usually avoided in formal contexts because it may not be universally understood. 1, 4, 6
Idioms, on the other hand, are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of the individual words. They have figurative meanings well established in the language and are generally accepted and understood in both casual and formal speech contexts. For example, the idiom “break the ice” means to initiate conversation or reduce social tension, rather than literally breaking ice. 4, 6, 1
In summary:
- Slang: Informal, often short-lived words or phrases, specific to social groups or regions, dynamic in nature, casual and sometimes exclusive language.
- Idioms: Fixed phrases with figurative meanings, stable over time, widely understood beyond group boundaries, used in both casual and formal settings.
These differences mean idioms are more about figurative fixed phrases commonly understood in English, while slang is informal language that may evolve rapidly and varies by social context. 6, 1, 4