What is slang?
informal language, often specific to a particular group or culture.
Slang: Zestful Jargon for the Brave Writer
Derived from informal language and often specific to a particular group or culture, slang spices up writing by introducing a fresh and unconventional vocabulary that elevates characters, settings, and the overall narrative.
While it may raise eyebrows in academic writing, in creative writing, slang not only captures the nuances of a character's upbringing, social status, and personality, but also forges a deeper connection with the reader by creating an authentic and relatable atmosphere.
Incorporating slang into your creative writing can add layers of depth and complexity to your characters, settings, and even plot.
Twain received criticism for his use of racial slurs, but The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would not be the same without the southern drawl of Jim's character or the twang of his dialogue.
Diaz uses the Dominican-American slang of his characters to create a vivid and immersive atmosphere, heightening the impact of the story's themes of identity, history, and cultural diaspora.