Slang : an anonymous product of folk literature

Abstract

In Ottoman Turkish, the terms "lisan-i hezele" (language of vulgar people) and "lisân-erâzil" (language of the ignoble) are used to correspond to the meaning of the word "argo" (slang), the usage of which is still not generally approved of. The discussion about whether to classify slang, having numerous unfavorable connotations, as an anonymous product of folk literature will constitute the essential point of this text; the esthetical characteristics of slang besides its social functions will therefore be surveyed, taking as a point of departure the analogy made by G. K. Chesterton between slang and poetry in terms of their common denominator which is the use of metaphor. Putting it all together, it will be held that slang actually is a product of folk literature, in that it echoes how peoples think, make sense of things and how they act, in a truely aesthetic manner assisted by the use of literary devices which, according to George Lakoff reflect their thinking patterns.