Abstract

Slang is a cultural result of a country. It is not only the carrier of the culture but also the culture’s creation. Almost everyone uses slang in his or her daily life. Due to the particular feature of the culture, every country’s slang is different from each other. And the American slang represents the casual attitude of the American people. Slang is also a mirror that can reflect the situation of American society. Through the research of the American slang, we can have a deep view on the American culture. This essay starts from the brief introduction to the American slang, and analyses the origin and the definition of the American slang, which will help us have a clear view of the development of American slang. Then the paper involves the classification of American slang’s characters and analyses the content of it. The second part of essay is about the relationship of American sang and American culture. In this part, some details of the subculture group will be mentioned, which include the American subculture groups that have close relationship with slangs. As every group has its own slang, the passage will present some researches on the subculture slang. Finally, some theories of sociolinguistics will be used to analyze the social function of American slang.

Key words: American slang, American culture, subculture group

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2. The Brief Introduction of American Slang-1

2.1 The origin of slang-1

2.2 The definition of Slang-3

2.3 The categories of American slang-4

2.4 The characteristics of American slang-4

2.4.1 A sense of humor-5

2.4.2 Rhyme-5

2.4.3 Abbreviation-5

2.4.4 Exaggeration-5

2.4.5 Euphemism-5

2.4.6 Metaphor-6

3. The Relationship Between American Culture and Slangs-6

3.1 Culture and language-6

3.2 Subculture group-7

3.2.1 The definition of the subculture-7

3.2.2 Criminals-7

3.2.3 Druggers-7

3.2.4 Homosexual group-8

3.2.5 Teenager groups-8

3.2.6 Political groups-9

4. The Social Functions of American slang-9

4.1 Strengthening group cohesion-9

4.2 Promoting interpersonal relationship-10

4.3 Healing people’s heart-10

4.4 Improving language effect-10

4.5 Reflecting people’s attitudes towards social realities-11

4.6 Indicating people’s identity and position-11

5. Conclusions-11