Slang and Slang Use, Feast yer mince pies on this one! Options

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi,

In another tile, Don and I had a brief discussion on slang (reproduced in the next post in this tile). However, it seems to me that the subject is a very wide one and has big implications for all writers. So what do you think about slang? Do you / would you use it and, if so, when? What are the dangers and advantages of using it?

Please post your thoughts in this tile.

Oh the sub-title?? "mince pies" is Cockney (London) rhyming slang for eyes.

James.

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi James

I would say never use slang in poetry.  In stories it is fine in moderation used in dialogue, if it is relevant to the character you are writing about.  It can enhance the character if it is done properly.  It doesn't always matter if the reader doesn't know what it means.  It has no place elsewhere in a story.  Talking about dialogue, a lot of authors like to emphasise the accent in writing dialogue.  I can find this irritating to read as it sometimes takes ages to decipher what the words are supposed to be.  It slows me down too much and I can't do the accent in my head anyway.  I have no problem with swearing in dialogue, if appropriate to the character, but in children's books it often shocks and upsets parents.  The children don't care as it is the language they use in the playground all the time.

Nina