historylass
sallyduchessUsing Slang When Writing
October 17th 2006 02:38
Lots of people have different ideas about how much slang can be used in written material. Some people would suggest that slang should not be used at all. Others load their writing up with all types of slang. It's a bit of a generalization, but often it is the older generation who prefer less slang, and the newer generation that prefer less slang. So how much slang can be used?
That question is difficult to answer. It depends on the type of material you are writing, the intended audience and the impression you want to make. I once wrote a weekly filler for a publication that demanded lots of slang. If I didn't include enough slang, they would edit it to put more slang words in. That was suitable there, because the readers of the filler were comfortable with lots of slang. However, the same amount of slang words would not be appropriate for a job application.
Some material is suited to a lot of slang. Other material is not. For example, a blog discussing the latest entertainment news could include more slang that a weekly report for stockholders.
It is very important that you consider your readers preferences. Remember what I said about the older generation preferring less slang than the younger generation. Think about the age of your readers and how much slang they are comfortable with. The other thing to consider is where your readers come from and whether they understand the slang terms you are using. As an Aussie, writing for an international readership, I need to ensure that I don't use any slang terms that would only be understood by people living downunder. However, the terms "Aussie" and "downunder" are fine, because these are terms understood all over the world.
The last thing to think about is the impression you want to make. What are you trying to do with your writing? Are you trying to come across as a young, hip writer? Or are you trying to convey that you are a professional, with a high regard for the English language?
One other thing to keep in mind while using slang is keep it consistent. Don't use slang in one sentence and then write the next sentence like an Edwardian gentleman. Using slang inappropriately can have a negative effect on your readers. Mixing and matching the amount of slang you use can be disastrous.
That question is difficult to answer. It depends on the type of material you are writing, the intended audience and the impression you want to make. I once wrote a weekly filler for a publication that demanded lots of slang. If I didn't include enough slang, they would edit it to put more slang words in. That was suitable there, because the readers of the filler were comfortable with lots of slang. However, the same amount of slang words would not be appropriate for a job application.
Some material is suited to a lot of slang. Other material is not. For example, a blog discussing the latest entertainment news could include more slang that a weekly report for stockholders.
It is very important that you consider your readers preferences. Remember what I said about the older generation preferring less slang than the younger generation. Think about the age of your readers and how much slang they are comfortable with. The other thing to consider is where your readers come from and whether they understand the slang terms you are using. As an Aussie, writing for an international readership, I need to ensure that I don't use any slang terms that would only be understood by people living downunder. However, the terms "Aussie" and "downunder" are fine, because these are terms understood all over the world.
The last thing to think about is the impression you want to make. What are you trying to do with your writing? Are you trying to come across as a young, hip writer? Or are you trying to convey that you are a professional, with a high regard for the English language?
One other thing to keep in mind while using slang is keep it consistent. Don't use slang in one sentence and then write the next sentence like an Edwardian gentleman. Using slang inappropriately can have a negative effect on your readers. Mixing and matching the amount of slang you use can be disastrous.
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Comment by Wendi
Don't get me wrong; I don't feel everything has to be prim and proper with extreme vocabulary. I prefer the "keep it real" method. Use words that are diversified, yet easy to understand by the average person. Occasional slang may have its place, but more often than not, I could live without it in writing - with the exception, of course, of character development or dialogue.
I would expect that in an book by an Aussie author with Aussie characters, I'd run across words like "bloke" and "mate", but that wouldn't seem at all out of context for the work.
Since we're talking about slang, I really do need to tell a funny story, even though it may seal my fate as being part of the "older generation".
I took my three children to Payless shoe stores so each could get new shoes. My boys were old enough to browse on their own, but my daughter needed help. I was trying shoes on my daughter when my boys returned, each with a pair of shoes they apparently adored judging by the expressions on their faces.
The eldest of the lot says, "Mom, I love these shoes! These are tight!"
My response?
"Get a bigger pair."
Who knew that tight was the new "bad". And don't even get me started on "sick". *LOL*
"Mom, that dude is sick!"
"Really? What's the matter with him?"
Comment by historylass
The Written Word
History Lass