Idiom vs Slang
Idiom and Slang are distinct terms that are often confused with each other. They may seem similar, but they have different meanings and uses. The word “slang” can function as both a noun and a verb in the English language, while “idiom” is strictly a noun. Idiom has its origins in the late 16th century, whereas slang dates back to the mid-18th century.
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words established by usage, with a meaning not deducible from the individual words themselves. Examples of idiomatic expressions include “over the moon” and “see the light.” Idioms are widely used in the English language and are often found in literature and written English. They can be found in well-known and well-compiled lexicons and dictionaries.
What is Slang?
Slang, as defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary, consists of “words, phrases, and uses that are regarded as very informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar to a specified profession, class, etc.” There are different kinds of slang, such as village slang, schoolboy slang, and medical slang, among others. Slang is often used in spoken language but is rarely found in written language. Slang terms generally cannot be found in dictionaries and are typically heard in spoken English.
Key Takeaways
- Idioms are groups of words with a meaning not deducible from the individual words, while slang consists of informal words, phrases, and uses often restricted to specific contexts or professions.
- Idioms are commonly used in literature and written English, whereas slang is more prevalent in spoken language and is rarely used in written language.
- Idioms and idiomatic expressions can be found in well-known lexicons and dictionaries, while slang terms are generally not found in dictionaries and are heard in spoken English.
