Slang – those colloquial, nonstandard vocabulary words and expressions that make their way into everyday language – has been popular with young culture for hundreds of years. It’s no surprise then that writers of books for teens and young adults use slang words in their stories. In fact, slang can be a key ingredient for creating believable characters.
But while slang may help enrich characters, it can just as easily ruin them, which is why writers must proceed with care when it comes to using slang. Below are a few tips for choosing slang words when writing books for teens.
Use Slang Sparingly, If At All
First, consider whether slang is really necessary for your characters and story. The main problem with slang is that, with the exception of historical fiction, it will quickly date a book. Slang words come and go, and while a character’s vocabulary may be stylish today, it might make teen readers cringe down the road.
On the other hand, slang words can serve a purpose in books for teens, especially when used in dialogue. Slang may help define a character and give him or her a sense of individuality. Characters whose speech patterns include unique words and phrases can appear more real to kids. Slang is also a way to interject humor into a story or make the language more colorful and descriptive.
According to Ayn Rand in The Art of Fiction, slang may be necessary “when no [other] respectable English word will give you the exact shade of meaning you want.” But there is a fine line between using a little slang and overusing it. The latter will sound fake or corny, especially coming from an adult writer. And unless the story is written in first person, slang used in the narrative should be avoided altogether.
Pay Attention to Social Status, Region, and Time Period
Besides using slang sparingly, writers will want to pay close attention to their word choices. Slang is often distinguished by social status, region, or time period, and colloquial expressions that are out of sync with these factors can be problematic for readers and editors.
For example, an expression like “outta sight” may be appropriate for a book set in the 1960s but anachronistic for a story that takes place in a later decade. Likewise, using “pop” to describe a soft drink is fine for a character from Minnesota but probably not one from Connecticut.
Sometimes, slang words from one time period or region may mean something entirely different in another. Because kids are quick to recognize inconsistencies, researching slang before incorporating it into a story is essential.
Know the Difference Between Slang Words and Accepted Standard Vocabulary
Although slang, by definition, is language that’s always changing, some slang words become universal and timeless. A good example is the word “zits.” Kids from all walks of life began using this word decades ago to describe pimples, yet it’s still a common colloquialism today among teens.
Many other words and expressions that were once considered nonstandard vocabulary have become accepted standard language (“okay,” “catching rays,” “laid back,” “baloney,” etc.). Writers shouldn’t hesitate to use these words – as long as they were introduced into language before the story’s setting.
Where to Find Teen Slang Language
Writers who choose to use slang words and expressions in their books have many options for gathering appropriate lingo. Listening to kids speak is the most obvious one. Here are some others:
- Consult a good general slang dictionary, such as the Historical Dictionary of American Slang or Urbandictionary.com.
- Research specialty slang dictionaries and reference books, like War Slang or The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, both by Paul Dickson.
- Learn the current language of kids through Facebook or other social networking sites.
- Read books of similar time periods and settings.
- Browse teen and young adult magazines for ideas.
- For historical slang, visit historical societies for materials like letters and family papers.
- Ask teachers or professionals who interact with kids on a daily basis.
When it comes to writing slang in books for teens and young adults, less is better. But used sparingly and wisely, slang can enrich characters and stories and give kids a believable, enjoyable read.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
Join the Conversation