AN EXAMINATION OF THE USE OF SLANGS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS STATE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: It is possible to describe language as a method of communication, a platform for the expression of feelings, a route for the transmission of ideas, a vital component of socioeconomic and political advancement, and even a way of life (Cheikh & Dnaguir, 2019). Other writers have provided documentation for a variety of other meanings of language. Language is an extremely significant factor in the everyday existence of a people. Not only does it function as a means of communication, but it also acts as a symbol of the identity of the group and of the unity within it (Saidu & Muhammad, 2019). Language helps various groups of people to become aware of who they are as individuals as well as the racial, ethnic, and linguistic entities to which they belong. In general, it is a wonderful value to society since every single need that man has, both inside and outside of his society, is dependent on language, and the needs and ambitions of man find their expression in language (Richard, 2019). The use of language as a medium for the transmission of ideas may be traced all the way back to prehistoric times. The term "communication" can refer to either an action or a process that not only involves shared experience but also incorporates the mutual impact of both parties. According to one definition, communication is "a symbolic process through which meaning is communicated and negotiated" (ThoughtCo., 2019). To put it another way, communication takes place whenever one person gives the words or acts of another person significance in their mind. To put this another way, we may argue that communication is a two-way process that involves a sender and a receiver. If this is the case, then the symbols we convey can only have significance if the other person also uses our symbolic system (Nguemo, 2016). As a method, it entails the use of a channel, or path, via which messages are delivered in such a way that the individuals involved in the communication may be regarded of as both sending and receiving messages. Communication is described as a "give and take process" by Saidu and Muhammad (2019), who define it as "the transfer of information from one person to another using symbols or codes which are significant to both the information transmitter and the receiver." Participants, messages, meaning, symbols, encoding, and decoding are the key components of communication. In order for communication to be successful and fully realized, each of these components must be taken into account. Slang is a highly colloquial language that is made up of either newly coined words or older terms that are repurposed in creative ways to achieve an exaggerated or comedic impact (Maurer, 2021). Slang frequently employs figurative language, in which a vivid image serves in place of a literal definition of a term. Sometimes slang makes its way into the public lexicon after having originated as the language spoken among "insiders," or those who share a similar outlook or experience. Slang was first employed in England about the year 1800 as a "particular vocabulary" by any group of people of a low or disreputable character. Its origins may be traced back to this time period. It took some time, but eventually people started to embrace it and it spread to other regions of the world. "very informal words and expressions that are more common in spoken language especially used by a particular group of people, for example, children, criminals, soldiers, etc.," as defined by the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2017), "slang" refers to "very informal words and expressions that are more common in spoken language." As a result of the fact that it is relevant to members of a social group or circle of friends, it is generally agreed upon that slang phrases are unofficial, fleeting, restricted in their reach, and connotative in their viewpoint (Saidu & Muhammad, 2019). This characteristic differentiates members of a group from those who are not members of the group. As a consequence, when a non-member attempts to use these terms, he is quickly identified as failing to utilize the phrase in an effective and efficient manner.