Dialect vs. Slang — What's the Difference?

A regional variation of a language with unique vocabulary and grammar.

Terms that are continually evolving with new trends.

A social variety of a language spoken by a specific group.

Informal language typically used by a specific group.

A linguistic variation influenced by history and culture.

A linguistic tool that provides playfulness or intimacy.

A form of speech sometimes unintelligible to speakers of other dialects.

Words and phrases that are trendy or associated with a particular era.

A branch of a language system that persists over time.

Informal terms that may not be recognized in formal speech.

The term dialect (from Latin dialectus, dialectos, from the Ancient Greek word διάλεκτος, diálektos 'discourse', from διά, diá 'through' and λέγω, légō 'I speak') can refer to either of two distinctly different types of linguistic phenomena: a variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular group of the language's speakers. Under this definition, the dialects or varieties of a particular language are closely related and are often mutually intelligible, especially if close to one another on the dialect continuum.

Slang is language (words, phrases, and usages) of an informal register. It also sometimes refers to the language generally exclusive to the members of particular in-groups prefer over the common vocabulary of a standard language in order to establish group identity, exclude outsiders, or both.

A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group

A kind of language occurring chiefly in casual and playful speech, made up typically of coinages and figures of speech that are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness, humor, irreverence, or other effect.

A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially a variety of speech differing from the standard literary language or speech pattern of the culture in which it exists

Language peculiar to a group; argot or jargon

A variety of language that with other varieties constitutes a single language of which no single variety is standard

To use slang.

The language peculiar to the members of a group, especially in an occupation; jargon

To use angry and abusive language

The manner or style of expressing oneself in language or the arts.

To attack with abusive language; vituperate

A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use

Language outside of conventional usage and in the informal register.

A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Cantonese as contrasted with Mandarin Chinese or Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).

Language that is unique to a particular profession or subject; jargon.

A variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular area, community, or social group, differing from other varieties of the same language in relatively minor ways as regards grammar, phonology, and lexicon.

The specialized language of a social group, sometimes used to conceal one's meaning from outsiders; cant.

(pejorative) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

(countable) A particular variety of slang; the slang used by a particular group.

A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.

(countable) An item of slang; a slang word or expression.

A variant of a non-standardized programming language.

(India) A curse word.

(ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.

Any long, narrow piece of land; a promontory.

Means or mode of expressing thoughts; language; tongue; form of speech.

A fetter worn on the leg by a convict.

The form of speech of a limited region or people, as distinguished from ether forms nearly related to it; a variety or subdivision of a language; speech characterized by local peculiarities or specific circumstances; as, the Ionic and Attic were dialects of Greece; the Yorkshire dialect; the dialect of the learned.

A counterfeit weight or measure.

The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;

A travelling show, or one of its performances.

A hawker's license.

A watchchain.

To vocally abuse, or shout at.

To sell especially illegal drugs.

Any long, narrow piece of land; a promontory.

A fetter worn on the leg by a convict.

Low, vulgar, unauthorized language; a popular but unauthorized word, phrase, or mode of expression; also, the jargon of some particular calling or class in society; low popular cant; as, the slang of the theater, of college, of sailors, etc.

To address with slang or ribaldry; to insult with vulgar language.

Informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar;

A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);

Use slang or vulgar language

Fool or hoax;

Abuse with coarse language

Usually not, since slang is often considered too casual.

Yes, a dialect may incorporate slang specific to that region or group.

No, the appropriateness of a dialect depends on the context and audience.

Yes, dialects often have unique grammar rules.

Sometimes they are, but in other cases, they can be very different.

No, slang is informal language, whereas a dialect is a broader linguistic variation.

No, some dialects are social, based on factors like profession or socioeconomic status.

Accents are pronunciation differences, while dialects include vocabulary and grammar changes.

Yes, some slang words may become widely accepted over time.

They develop over time due to geographical, cultural, and historical factors.

Yes, slang can become part of a dialect, and dialects often contribute new slang.

Not necessarily; they may include both formal and informal speech.

Slang changes rapidly as trends evolve.

Absolutely, as different groups often have distinct slang vocabularies.

Not necessarily, but understanding slang can improve communication and rapport.