Slang to Standard: The Evolution of Language in the Modern Day
From words like “rizz” and “goated” to “mid” and “sus”—terms considered to be casual and informal expressions—slang words are now being legitimized and added to world-renowned dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Many are amused to see how these freshly coined words have apparently become so popular that they merited an official inclusion in the English lexicon. Some, however, stop in their tracks and do a double-take, puzzled by how such terms could ever make the cut. This leaves many wondering: Is it still slang if it’s in the dictionary?
Slang is a type of informal language typically created and used by particular social groups, often adopted by younger generations as a way to express themselves. The language is known to be playful, expressive, and constantly evolving. In many cases, these words originated from formal language and have been modified to adopt a more casual tone. Today, slang terms included in the dictionary are marked as “colloquial” or “informal,” which acknowledges their widespread use while still distinguishing them from formal language. While slang has never been recognized as proper speech, it has continued to push the boundaries of modern language, becoming a staple in our everyday lives.
Believe it or not, a lot of everyday words we use today were once considered slang. For instance, “OK,” one of the most widely known words in the world, made its first appearance in an article published in 1839 by the Boston Morning Post. The term was created as an abbreviation for “oll korrect,” a humorous colloquial misspelling of “all correct.” Similarly, the word “cool” also started as slang before becoming mainstream. The term emerged from African-American lingo in the jazz music scene, used in the phrase “cool cat” to denote the composure or style of an individual.
As formal language continues to evolve, so does slang. In recent years, Gen Z has used their creativity to expand their vocabulary, giving rise to a host of new terms. One such example is “rizz,” a word used to describe a person’s ability to charm others, whether romantically or platonically. Derived from the phrase “romantic charisma” and popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, “rizz” has quickly spread across school halls, social media platforms, and casual conversations. Its widespread use prompted lexicographers—experts responsible for adding words to dictionaries—to officially include the term in many famous dictionaries like Oxford, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge. Similarly, the term “goated” has surged in popularity in recent years. Originating from “GOAT,” an acronym for “greatest of all time,” the term is used to compliment those considered the best in their field. The expression originates from the prominent athlete Muhammad Ali, a famous heavyweight boxer who was deemed “The Greatest” in his profession. Later in the ‘90s, his wife created a company called “Greatest of All Time Inc.” or “G.O.A.T Inc.” for short. The acronym began to gain traction in the 2000s, when rapper LL Cool J released a hip-hop album called “G.O.A.T,” and became an established expression of high praise in hip-hop lexicon. For example, Lebron James is often referred to as the “GOAT” in basketball, reflecting his reputation as a Hall of Famer in the sport. Today, “goated” is no longer reserved solely for legendary achievements or pop culture figures but is now used to praise even the most mundane things. For instance, “That scene in the movie? Absolutely goated.” or “This food is goated.”
So, is it still slang if it’s in the dictionary? In many ways, yes. A dictionary entry doesn’t formalize a word; rather, it simply records how the term is being used in real life. This means that when slang earns its place in the dictionary, it reflects widespread acceptance and understanding while still retaining its informal and playful tone, as well as its cultural roots. Over time, some terms may cross the line between slang and standard language, evolving into an established part of everyday language—just like “OK” and “cool.” Others, like “rizz” or “goated,” however, may fade from popularity and remain only as a fun, fleeting moment in language history. Ultimately, adding a word to the dictionary doesn’t strip away its slang status; it simply acknowledges that the word has made an impact worth remembering.
