1、Remarks on Modern American Slangi广东外语外贸大学公开学院本科毕业论文( 2013 届 )论文题目 Remarks on Modern American Slang （英文） 论文题目 浅谈美国现代俚语 （中文） 专 业 英语教育 班 级 2013 级本科 准考证号 011114300840 考 生 刘利玉 指导教师 张艳 交稿时间 论文成绩 Remarks on Modern American SlangiiRemarks on Modern American SlangLiu LiyuAbstract: Expressions that can be cal
2、led slang make up a major part of American communication in movies, television, radio, newspapers, magazines and informal spoken conversation. This paper looks at the characteristics and the formations of modern American slang. Also, an attempt is made to further discuss the rhetorical features of A
3、merican slang. In order to have a better communication with American people and a better understanding of the communication, the study of slang is necessary.Key words: American slang; characteristics and formations; rhetorical features浅谈美国现代俚语刘利玉摘要:俚语在美国的电影、电视剧、无线电广播、报纸、杂志以及在非正式口语交谈中都占据了美国交流的大部分。这篇文
4、章尝试着回答美国现代俚语有哪些特征以及它是如何形成的。除此之外，还将会对英语俚语中涉及的各类修辞格进行深入的讨论。通过加深对美国俚语的认识，加强与外籍朋友的交际能力。关键词：美国俚语；特点和形成；修辞Remarks on Modern American Slang3Contents1 Introduction42 Literature review43 Brief analyses of modern American slangs .43.1 Definition.43.2 Characteristics .53.2.1 Brevity.53.2.2 Novelty53.2.3 Instab
5、ility.64 Rhetorical devices74.1 Lexical rhetorical devices74.1.1 Metaphor .74.1.2 Euphemism 74.1.3 Irony84.1.4 Metonymy84.2 Phonetic rhetorical devices84.2.2 Alliteration and Rhyme95 Conclusion .9Works cited10Remarks on Modern American Slang4Remarks on Modern American SlangGuangdong University of Fo
6、reign Studies 2013 Liu LiyuTutor: Zhang yan1 IntroductionExpressions that can be called slang make up a major part of American communication in movies, television, radio, newspapers, magazines and informal spoken conversation. This paper looks at the characteristics and the formations of modern Amer
7、ican slang. Also, an attempt is made to further discuss the rhetorical features of American slang. In order to have a better communication with American people and a better understanding of the communication, the study of slang is necessary.2 Literature review Many researchers have studied the chara
8、cteristics and formations of American slang. In this paper the writer will briefly analyse them and will further discuss the rhetorical devices of Modern American slang. There are many papers have discussed the lexical rhetorical devices of American slang. This paper not only want to mention the lex
9、ical rhetorical devices but also the phonetic rhetorical devices of American slang as well.3 Brief analyses of modern American slangs3.1 DefinitionMany linguists are trying to define slang. As for the definition of slang, different people may have different ideas. There have been various definitions
10、 on slang since its birth. Many of them are very impressive:“Slang is a language which takes off its coat, rolls up its sleeves, spits on its handsand goes to work” (Carl Sandburg 1878-1967). “Slang is the speech of him who robs the literary garbage cans on their way to the dumps” (Ambrose Bierce， E
11、pigrams p. 358). Also, the definition of slang offered by Wikipedia is “Slang consists of a lexicon of non-standard words and phrases in a given language.”At present, a more Remarks on Modern American Slang5acceptable and objective definition is offered by Longman Dictionary of English Language tran
12、sumer=transient +consumer(旅游购物狂) 3; Frenemy= friend+ enemy(友敌) 4. Additionally, some American slang words are coined by acronym. For instance, DINKWAD (double income, no kids, with a dog); JOMO (joy of missing out)5; K.O (knock out), IOW (in other words); ASAP (as soon as possible) are all slang phr
13、ases formed by means of acronym and they are quite terse, concise and quick.From the above-mentioned examples, a conclusion can be arrived at that many slang words or phrases are created by means of abbreviation. As a result, the newly-coined words or phrases can be used conveniently, economically a
14、nd easily. And this characteristic of brevity of American slang caters to the effective and concise lifestyle of the American people.3.2.2 Novelty In the process of language development and evolution, American slang has evolved 1 Refers to free time spent doing work or work-related tasks. Weisure ti
15、me is fitting fun around work, rather than fitting work around fun. Its kind of like eating lunch at your desk.2 Smirting is the practice of smoking and flirting outside public places such as pubs, bars, cafs, restaurants, and office buildings where smoking is prohibited.3 They are consumers who inc
16、reasingly live a transient lifestyle, freeing themselves from the hassles of permanent ownership and possessions.4 Refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor.5 The pleasure derived from no longer worrying about missing out on what other people a
17、re doing or saying.Remarks on Modern American Slang6from the cant and jargon subordinate to the subculture to the presently accepted words and phrases. And it can be frequently seen in such fields as literature, magazine and media report. Although it cannot be used on some occasions, it is not only
18、used by people from the lower stratum of society but also by people in the upper-class nowadays. What brings about such change? It is its novelty that attracts many peoples interest in the use of slang. All kinds of fresh and interesting expressions emerge constantly; they can easily catch the eyes
19、of people. The newly-coined slang words and phrases are extremely novel, fresh and vivid. For example, the American slang words big shot（大人物）, airhead (傻蛋), couch potato(电视迷),party animal(派对狂). Sometimes slang words are coined by someone for the pleasure of novelty and used by people who try to keep
20、 up with the latest trends. For example, Bieber Fever6,Gleek7,Hen-pecked(妻管严)，Smilence(笑而不语) .With the development of science and technology and the improvement of the social life of people, many new things and concepts have sprung up like mushrooms. Afro (蓬松成圆形的发式)，Hot line(热线) ，rock and roll (摇滚)，
21、Hacker(黑客)。Novelty, as a kind of quality of American slang, however, would soon wear off. So slang has to be constantly renewed. For example, slang phrases like to bag your faith（离开）, big time（认真的）, golden（妇女） and worms（丑陋的人）, extremely popular with the young in the 1980s, are seldom used nowadays.
22、There is no denying the fact that slang, when it is popular, can express an idea that would be hard to convey by other means.3.2.3 Instability The essential feature of slang is its innovation. The pursuit of novelty and fashion gives an impetus to the development of slang. Therefore, slang has its c
23、haracteristic of instability. Instability, on the one hand, refers to the emergence of new slang and the disappearance of old slang. With the rapid development of science and technology, more and more new things have sprung up like mushrooms. For example, the word “mouse” is created as slang apparen
24、tly according to its shape in the first place; however, it has evolved into the standard term in the field of science and technology. Words such as cheesecake8, booby9, chiseller10, popular in a short period after they are coined, are seldom used nowadays. On the other hand, instability refers to th
25、e change of slang in semantics. Wicked originally mean “bad, evil”, today it has a new usage, means excellent, fantastic. 6 So crazy about Justin Bieber that people like get a fever.7 Blending word of Glee and geek. Glee is a American show name.8半裸体的女人照片9女人乳房10骗子Remarks on Modern American Slang7All
26、in all, American slang is instable in that many slang words are coined for the pleasure of novelty and fashion in the first place, and then many slang words would disappear with the passage of time. At the same time, the meanings are likely to change in the process of language development.4 Rhetoric
27、al devicesSlang is playing a more and more important role in modern peoples life. English slang widely uses the devices such as metaphor, euphemism, irony etc. to express its vividness and humour. As Chinese learners, though we can remember the denotative meaning of the slang, we cant understand the
28、 connotative meaning and the users purpose of using it for lacking of context. Hence, the study of rhetorical devices of English slang not only can comprehend the slang from different perspective, but also can enhance our verbal comprehension and communicative competence. Slang expresses its languag
29、e features mainly through words (include phrases), therefore the author discussed the rhetorical devices from lexical and phonetic perspectives, not in syntactical point of view.4.1 Lexical rhetorical devicesLexical device refers to such a rhetorical device that the user employs lexical means to exp
30、ress ideas clearly and effectively or to achieve artistic and stylistic effect. It mainly includes: metaphor, metonymy, irony, hyperbole, euphemism, punning, and synecdoche etc. according to the study of English slang by the author, metaphor is the main device and the euphemism, irony and metonymy a
31、re also employed. 4.1.1 MetaphorA metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies one thing as being the same as some unrelated other thing, for rhetorical effect, thus highlighting the similarities between the two. Using some of the slang as a metaphor in spoken language or in literary works not onl
32、y can enliven the language but also can activate the atmosphere, avoiding embarrassing situation. For instance, bad apple is a metaphor for bad guy; cold fish is a coldhearted person; sweetie pie means lover. If we say “I am going to be out of control.” is less vivid than the slang “go bananas”. Als
33、o, everyone has a skeleton in the closet (secret). The slang is more mysterious than the word “secret”. 4.1.2 EuphemismA euphemism is a generally innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. (Wikipedia) For example, “death” is a taboo
34、 topic. There are many slangs to express it in indirect way. We have passed away, kick the bucket, turn ones toes up, push up daisies, be a goner, go west, and join the majority. Also, be in the pudding club, be in the family way, be in a delicate Remarks on Modern American Slang8condition, be expec
35、ting, be about to have a blessed event are the similar expressions of “be pregnant”. We tend to use wash up, go fix ones face, go and tidy oneself up, visit John etc., instead of going to the toilet. Euphemistic slangs not only enlarge the English vocabulary, but also make conversations indirect.4.1
36、.3 IronyIrony is the incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. To satirize the war and the army, we use tin hat to mean steel helmet; tooth-pick(牙签) to mean bayonet. “In order to chase after the girls, you sold me out. You are such a great pal!” Pal is a slang. Originally
37、mean good friend, in the sentence here, pal is a sarcasm of friend. Additionally, compound words and phrases of slang can better express the sense of satire. the phrase “fairy-story” is used to express hard-luck tale(倒霉的事)by the tramps in America.4.1.4 MetonymyMetonymy is a thing or concept called n
38、ot by its own name but rather by the name of something associated in meaning with that thing or concept. Chink (a short light metallic sound) refers to money; clink (the sound of shackle) means prison; snowcocaine; sheep-skin diploma. All in all, the characteristic of metonymy makes people associate
39、 something else above the literary meaning. 4.2 Phonetic rhetorical devicesPhonetic devices are devices that writers use phonetic sounds for rhetorical effect likeechoing or rhyming. Phonetic devices including onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance and rhyme. In this paper, the author will mainly dis
40、cuss the onomatopoeia, alliteration and rhyme, because those devices were most employed in slang usage.4.2.1 OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia is defined as a word, which imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive
41、and interesting. There are three types of onomatopoeia in English slang. First type is A type. For instance, oomph is an onomatopoeia for out of breath. In slang, it means sex appeal, desirability. Later, it added meaning of dynamism, pizzazz, and energy. If we say “Marilyn Monroe had lots of oomph.
42、” it means Marilyn Monroe is very sexy. Another sentence is “Its not a bad song, but it needs more oomph.”. Here oomph means passion. Another example is poop. Originally, it is an onomatopoeia for the balloon burst. In slang, it means “exhausted, worn out”. For example, “After climbing half-way up B
43、aiyun mountain, we were all pooped (be drained of all ones energies).” Second type is AA. “Choo-choo” is an onomatopoeia of the sound of Remarks on Modern American Slang9locomotive. Sometimes a train or a locomotive also called a choo-choo. “Bling bling” is a word that extended from the rappers appe
44、arance. The word has a visual effect. It can refers to the weak light reflected from metal or jewelry; or the description of a glistening diamond; or the sound of gold necklaces collide with each other. All in all, bling bling means brightness, flashing. The last type is AB. Tick-tock, a steady recu
45、rrent ticking sound as made by a clock. Now it can refer to clock. Bow-wow, the bark of a dog, is an informal term for dog. Ding-dong, the noise made by a bell, also can mean bitter quarrel.4.2.2 Alliteration and Rhyme Alliteration is a stylistic literary device identified by the repeated sound of t
46、he first consonant in a series of multiple words, or the repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables of a phrase. For example, black and blue (青肿 )， weal or woe(祸福 )， neither fish nor flesh(不伦不类 )，wish-wash(无聊的话，淡的饮料 )， tit for tat(
47、以牙还牙， time and tide (时间，岁月 )。Rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds (or the same sound) in two or more words, most often in the final syllables. To and fro(来回地，往复地 )， double-trouble(双重麻烦， hubbub(吵闹声， high and dry(孤立无援 ), hurry-scurry(慌忙，仓皇 )， lovey-dovey（情意绵绵，卿卿我我） ， razzle dazzle（ 哄闹，狂饮喧闹 ） . The
48、above examples show that using the harmony of the sound can achieve the effects of vividness and humor. Also, the words can be easily remembered. There are also some words using alliteration and rhyme simultaneously. For instance, dilly-dally(磨磨蹭蹭 )， fiddle-faddle(胡扯，懒人 ) ， wiggle-waggle(摇摆不定，犹豫不决 )
49、 ， holus-bolus(一下子 )，fuddy-duffy(唠叨的人，守旧者 )， jingle-jangle(叮叮当当 )， higgledy-piggledy(杂乱无章 ). Those words are catchy and rhythmic and often used to express all kinds of feelings such as admiration ,surprise and anger, of the speakers.5 Conclusion With the passage of time and the development of science and technology, slang does not merely consist of cant, jargon and argot used by certain subgroups in early days. Its definition, usage and its users have been expanded. At the same time, their ea
