* Informal: Slang is used primarily in casual settings, among friends, and within specific groups. It rarely appears in formal writing or professional settings.
* Variations: Slang terms often deviate from standard vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. They can be new words, altered meanings of existing words, or even shortened forms of words.
* Time-Bound: Slang is constantly evolving and changing, with terms gaining and losing popularity over time. What's considered slang today might be outdated tomorrow.
* Regional and Group Specific: Slang can be very specific to a particular region, age group, social group, or even profession. This makes it difficult to understand for those outside the group.
While slang is not considered standard English, it plays an important role in language. It can be a way to express creativity, group identity, and even social commentary. However, it's crucial to be aware of the context and audience when using slang, as it can be misinterpreted or even offensive in certain situations.