Old Words, New Slang
Listening to my favorite channel in the car the other day, I heard the host say, “Add it to your list for your hang.”
Wait. What? Add it to my list for my hang? When did the verb “hang” become a slang noun? I had heard “hang out” and “hang around” and “hang loose” and “hang dog,” but those are two-word phrases. How did I miss this change?
It got me thinking about slang words that no longer operate under their original parts of speech. A few shook out immediately. Others took a bit more thinking and listening time, but I managed to compile a list (in no particular order) to review for your next hang.
hip
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. Joint where the femur meets the pelvis.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. Aware of trends; fashionable.
Slang Example: Dahlia looked hip in her ripped jeans and cropped top.
fire
Original Part of Speech/Definition: 1. Noun. Combustion that results in flame.
2. Verb. To shoot a weapon.
3. Verb. To release or dismiss from employment.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. A word that expresses ultimate approval or describes something as impressive or stunning.
Slang Example: Dahlia’s outfit was so fire that every head turned when she passed by.
friend
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. Someone who is close and/or connected either as a buddy, pal, or acquaintance.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Verb. To add someone to your social media platform list of connections.
Slang Example: Dahlia told me to friend her on Facebook.
thrift
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. The careful management of money.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Verb. To shop—mostly for clothing—at second-hand stores.
Slang Example: Let’s go thrifting to find outfits like Dahlia’s.
cap/no cap
Original Part of Speech/Definition: 1. Noun. A hat with a visor in front.
2. Noun. Something that covers the end of a tube or bottle.
New Part of Speech/Definition: 1. Verb. To lie/to tell the truth.
2. Adjective. Fake/Real.
Slang Example: Sharona said Dahlia bought her pants online, but that’s cap; she went thrifting.
Slang Example: I told Dahlia that those pants were to die for, no cap.
cringe
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Verb. To physically pull back or contract one’s body in reaction to something offensive.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. Embarrassing or awkward.
Slang Example: My own feeble attempt to dress like Dahlia was totally cringe.
sigma
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. A Greek letter or a mathematical sum.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. Cool, awesome, impressive.
Slang Example: Dahlia’s outfit may have been fire, but that new purse was sigma!
hang
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Verb. To suspend something at the top with no support at the bottom.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. A gathering of people chilling out together.
Slang Example: Dahlia experimented with outfits she would wear at her next hang.
Ohio
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Proper noun. The American midwestern state.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. Mediocre; weird; strange (with apologies to the state).
Slang Example: One outfit she tried on was too Ohio, so Dahlia swapped out the top for something less odd.
lit
Original Part of Speech/Definition: 1. Noun. An abbreviation of “literature.”
2. Verb. Past tense of “to light.”
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adjective. Exciting; amazing. At times, intoxicated or intoxicating.
Slang Example: The music Dahlia played at her last hang was so lit that everyone danced all night.
highkey
OR
high-key
Original Part of Speech/Definition: Noun. A two-word phrase for a musical piece in a high range. For singers, music for a soprano or a tenor.
New Part of Speech/Definition: Adverb. Truly; completely; intensely.
Slang Example: I am high-key excited about Dahlia’s hang this weekend.
Character Slang
Writing slang in dialogue can be a tricky row to hoe. A character’s use of slang will depend on their age, occupation, situation, hierarchy/social order, the setting (both time/era and place), coolness goals, and myriad other factors. There are plenty of websites about historic language and slang, so be sure to double check before deciding which words and phrases will pour from your characters’ mouths. Better to do your research before someone else labels you cringe.
My World of Slang
It seems the world’s conversion to using “friend” as a verb when talking about social media is complete. There certainly is no hesitation in my voice; it slides out naturally. And as a former jazz singer, “hip” has been in my lexicon for ages. It’s lovely to see it making a resurgence.
However, many of the other words on this list sound totally Ohio coming out of my mouth. And I sincerely apologize to my family and friends living in the Buckeye State. You are sigma.