Slang
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Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:
Slang refers to informal, nonstandard words or expressions that are often used within specific social groups. It is characterized by its dynamic and evolving nature, often reflecting cultural trends and societal changes. Slang can serve to establish identity, convey humor, or express rebellion against established norms.

Biblical Context:
While the Bible does not explicitly mention "slang" as we understand it today, it does address the use of language and the importance of words. The Scriptures emphasize the power of speech and the need for purity and truthfulness in communication.

Scriptural References:

1. Proverbs on Speech:
The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the use of language, highlighting the importance of wise and edifying speech. Proverbs 15:4 states, "A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." This verse underscores the impact of words, suggesting that language should be used to uplift rather than harm.

2. Ephesians on Edifying Speech:
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, instructs believers on the importance of wholesome speech. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This passage encourages Christians to avoid language that is corrupt or degrading, which can often include certain types of slang.

3. James on the Tongue:
The Epistle of James provides a profound discourse on the power of the tongue. James 3:5-6 warns, "So too the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage highlights the potential for language to cause significant harm, urging believers to exercise caution in their speech.

Cultural and Historical Considerations:
In biblical times, language and dialects varied widely across regions and cultures. While the concept of "slang" as a distinct category may not have been recognized, informal and colloquial expressions likely existed. The Bible's emphasis on the purity and integrity of speech suggests a caution against adopting language that could lead to misunderstanding or moral compromise.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
From a biblical perspective, the use of slang should be evaluated based on its content and impact. Language that is crude, disrespectful, or blasphemous is inconsistent with the biblical call to holiness and edification. Believers are encouraged to reflect Christ in their speech, ensuring that their words align with the values of truth, love, and respect.

Practical Application:
Christians are called to be mindful of their language, considering how their words reflect their faith and witness to others. While slang can be a natural part of cultural expression, it is important to discern whether its use aligns with biblical principles. Engaging in language that builds up and encourages others is a practical outworking of the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v.) imp. of Sling Slung.

2. (n.) Any long, narrow piece of land; a promontory.

3. (n.) A fetter worn on the leg by a convict.

4. (n.) Low, vulgar, unauthorized language; a popular but unauthorized word, phrase, or mode of expression; also, the jargon of some particular calling or class in society; low popular cant; as, the slang of the theater, of college, of sailors, etc.

5. (v. t.) To address with slang or ribaldry; to insult with vulgar language.

6. (p. p.) of Sling

Greek
203. akrobustia -- the prepuce, foreskin, hence uncircumcision
... Spelling: (ak-rob-oos-tee'-ah) Short Definition: foreskin Definition: (a technical
word of Jewish use) foreskin, prepuce: used sometimes as a slang term by Jews ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/203.htm - 7k
Library

Poison-Labels
... I will tell you what some of these poison-labels are which frighten people
away from boys and girls. One of them is slang. Now, of ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/poison-labels.htm

Parental Control.
... Do not be discouraged should you hear him use a slang word, but take him at
once and tenderly tell him what slang phrases will lead to. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter x parental control.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... with me. I wound round therefore my garment in my hand; and I slang stones
at them, and killed four of them, and the rest fled. And ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small
... He has perceived the significance and philosophy of steam and of slang. ...
Slang may be, if you like, a dirty by-product of language. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iii on mr rudyard kipling.htm

The Course of the World.
... Note the idle bywords, the slang phrases, the jestings, the gay, giddy, foolish
expressions, the low and impure speech, which is all foreign to the kingdom of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xii the course of.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... Her slang expressions will be adopted; her loud manners and eccentricities of dress
will be imitated; her frivolity and dislike for any of the serious duties ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

Sin.
... pleasures. There are stealings and lyings, cheatings, fightings, swearings,
drinking, chewing and smoking, slang phrases, etc. Such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's ...
... true,"Aubrey had no "go." "Go" means, in modern parlance, to drink oneself stupid,
to bet on the most trifling passing events, and to talk slang that would ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvii society soon learned the.htm

A Holy Life.
... Pure words belong to a holy life. You should use the very choicest words. Words
that are wholly free from vulgarity, slang, and the spirit of the world. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/a holy life.htm

Some Things You Should not Do.
... Do not forget to pray. Do not waste any moments in idleness. Do not use
slang words in your conversation. Do not build air-castles. ...
/.../food for the lambs or helps for young christians/some things you should not.htm

Thesaurus
Slang (1 Occurrence)
... but unauthorized word, phrase, or mode of expression; also, the jargon of some
particular calling or class in society; low popular cant; as, the slang of the ...
/s/slang.htm - 7k

Flash (19 Occurrences)
... and wear much cheap jewelry. 15. (n.) Slang or cant of thieves and prostitutes.
16. (n.) A pool. 17. (n.) A reservoir and sluiceway ...
/f/flash.htm - 13k

Tester (5 Occurrences)
... Hence, in modern English slang, a sixpence; -- often contracted to tizzy. Called
also teston. Multi-Version Concordance Tester (5 Occurrences). ...
/t/tester.htm - 8k

Priesthood (30 Occurrences)
... There is a certain literary slang indulged in by some who talk of the "priests
of science," "priests of art," and similar absurdities. ...
/p/priesthood.htm - 40k

Peg (8 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) One of the pins used for marking points on a cribbage board. 5. (n.) A
step; a degree; esp. in the slang phrase To take one down peg. ...
/p/peg.htm - 9k

Cave (40 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To fall in or down; as, the sand bank caved. Hence (Slang), to retreat from
a position; to give way; to yield in a disputed matter. Int. ...
/c/cave.htm - 25k

Christian (41 Occurrences)
... A Christian is thus simply an adherent of Christ. The name belongs, as Ramsay says,
to the popular slang, as indeed sect and party names generally do. ...
/c/christian.htm - 29k

Sunk (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang
it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his ...
/s/sunk.htm - 12k

Slant (1 Occurrence)

/s/slant.htm - 7k

Slanders (5 Occurrences)

/s/slanders.htm - 7k

Resources
What are Chreasters? | GotQuestions.org

What is a Holy Roller? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Slang: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Slang (1 Occurrence)

1 Samuel 17:49
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
(KJV ASV DBY)

Subtopics

Slang

Related Terms

Pitch (25 Occurrences)

Bias (1 Occurrence)

Stoop (10 Occurrences)

Slang (1 Occurrence)

Slap (3 Occurrences)

Slope (29 Occurrences)

Archaeology

Minor (2 Occurrences)

Asia (22 Occurrences)

Slanders
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