How did the slang start?

Answer 1

I believe slang words begin from people themselves (much as languages started from people, generally), specifically group of people. Slang a.k.a. jargon is a word or expression that originates, evolves and revolves among these people. The frequency of the use of such words/expressions make slang a "de facto" language of some people. In addition to this, these people are the ones who know and understand the meaning of such words. Eventually, some slang are formalized and accepted in the dictionary.

Answer 2

Slang starts in alot of ways. Sometimes people try to shorten a long word for convenience. Sometimes they just make up a new word to mean something else (like calling some a "tosser"). Sometimes a word from another language is brought into an English version, or an English word that is pronounced with an accent by another culture is made into Eglish slang (for example, "Hey! That guy 'tiefed' my car!")

Answer 3

Actually, I think all language starts out as slang. The cavepeople were sitting around, started calling fire "ugga" and found it a useful word to have. And then it went out of style, lots of other words came into style for "fire," and finally it became an accepted part of the language.

What we call slang is just stuff that hasn't stood the test of time -- yet, in many cases. (-: I don't know how many more years we have to go until "cool" is not termed as a slang word anymore.

Answer 4

My guess is teenagers and the lower classes (working class, I mean) invented most of it, because they didn't want to sound like adults or the privileged classes, or because it was just easier to say and they were trying to save time. I applaud their creativity.

Answer 5

by people too lazy to use big words, so they shortened them. they also made words, like mofo, to take the place of profanity and other things