One challenge to finding the right English slang dictionary is editors and publishers have different definitions of what slang is. Generally speaking, slang is informal English words and idioms, used mostly only in spoken English. Some authorities, however, define slang as language used by people of certain social classes or groups, often mainly within that group (e.g., young people, military, criminals). The collections of entries publishers put out can thus differ greatly.

Dictionaries for slang.
Dictionaries for slang.

It’s important to find a slang dictionary appropriate for your needs. Some dictionaries look at slang going back over decades or centuries, including numerous terms few people use today. These can be excellent references for writers, but are not ideal for many people. Other dictionaries focus more on informal vocabulary and idioms, as well as more-mainstream slang.

One excellent English slang dictionary is Harper Collins’ Dictionary of American Slang. This volume includes a wide mix of common slang terms and real example sentences, many taken from cited publications ranging from the New York Times to National Public Radio. It also offers notes on the history and origins of slang terms where possible.

Another rich reference dictionary is Richard A. Spears’ Slang and Euphemism, published by Signet. It is packed with an often-amazing collection of words, phrases, and synonyms, including terms used in different groups in society. This is an excellent reference for writers.

A volume with a long history is Macmillan’s A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, by Eric Partridge. Revised versions have been created in recent years. Another volume worth checking out is Crowell’s Dictionary of American Slang, by Harold Wentworth and Stuart Berg Flexner.

Better Know Your Dictionaries

(C) 2019, by John Sailors. All rights reserved.