24. Slang.—By slang we mean strange words or expressions, not employed in serious or dignified composition, whether written or spoken. They are sometimes used in conversation, largely in jest, by persons of intelligence and education, but more generally by persons of defective education, who are not really acquainted with the forms of the language used by the educated classes. There can be no great objection to playing with words on occasions where play is appropriate, particularly when the speakers are young or full of boisterous fun. It is, however, unwise for young students to get the habit of thus playing with words so firmly established that they play when they should be serious, or that they become unfamiliar with really good English. Particular care should be taken to avoid slang that is vulgar or coarse.
Here is an extract which is intended to represent the natural and playful speech of a boy of high spirits:—
"I say, East, can't we get something else besides potatoes? I've got lots of money, you know."
"Bless us, yes, I forgot," said East, "you've only just come. You see all my tin's been gone this twelve weeks. I've got a tick at Sally's, of course; but then I hate running it high, you see, toward the end of the half, because one has to shell out for it all directly one comes back, and that's a bore."
"Well, what shall I buy?" said Tom, "I'm hungry."
"I say," said East, "you're a trump, Brown. I'll do the same by you next half. Let's have a pound of sausages, then; that's the best grub for tea I know of."—Thomas Hughes: Tom Brown's Schooldays.
There is a certain vigor and picturesqueness of expression here, and it would be absurd to expect boys, on all occasions, to speak like dictionaries. On the other hand, you will readily see that the italicized expressions in the following sentences would be wholly inappropriate in serious written composition.
1. John made a bad break. 2. Your new hat is simply immense. 3. I think that's the limit. 4. Children should take a back seat. 5. He passed in his checks. 6. That's only a bluff. 7. He's a big chump. 8. The people made a big kick. 9. That boy is a fresh kid. 10. He chucked the tea overboard.
Exercise 61.—Rewrite the sentences given above, substituting correct English for the slang words or expressions.
What slang expression do you use most frequently? Write a paragraph explaining exactly what you mean by it.
Exercise 62.—Point out the exaggeration in the use of the italicized words by giving the meaning of the word. Suggest words which might be substituted for them.
1. We had an awfully good time. 2. Butter is frightfully dear. 3. I'm terribly tired. 4. We were horribly bored. 5. He is tremendously pleased. 6. This is a magnificent lead pencil. 7. You are fearfully late this morning. 8. I adore chocolate fudge. 9. This is beautiful jelly cake. 10. What a splendid apple!
25. Errors in the Forms of Words.—The following exercises will give you practice in the forms of words in which young students most often make mistakes.
Exercise 63.—Write sentences containing the following:—
Babies', women's, boy's, boys', girl's, children's, man's, men's, girls', baby's, cats', cat's.