Dictionary of Slang

The definition of slang varies, however the generally accepted definition is of language which is very informal or much below the standard level of education - colloquially known as 'street talk'.

Many terms start as slang, and become adopted as standard language. Similarly, the precise meanings of slang terms varies through the ages. Because the term slang also encompasses vocabulary not in general use, many dialectal words may also be considered slang.

The Probert Encyclopaedia dictionary of slang offers a comprehensive dictionary of slang covering over 16,000 English language slang and dialect terms from around the world including country and regional specific slang such as English slang, American slang, Jamaican slang, Australian slang, Canadian slang, Dorset slang, Scottish slang, South African slang, cockney rhyming slang, theatre slang and even British middle-class suburban slang along with trade and sub-culture slang such as computer slang, cricket slang, medical slang, astronautical slang, military slang, drug culture slang etc. Slang terms through history - such as 'Abbess', 'Abigail' and 'Spanker' - are also included in the dictioanry of slang.

To locate a particular slang word or phrase, either use the search facility at the top of the page or browse through the slang dictionary using the links below.