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_Jox_*]

Hi Nina, thanks for joining the debate,

>>I would say never use slang in poetry.

Me neither, in general. I can see, though, that a specific slang term may be useful. (Though I cannot think of an example at present).

>>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.

Agreed 100%.

>>It has no place elsewhere in a story.

I think I agree 100%. (There 100%s are hard for a non-absolutist!)

>>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 agree - it's like those old British war films which use daft German accents ("You pig-swine, you English") ludicrous and unhelpful.

>>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.

Now, swearing is interesting - and maybe another good tile in itself. Of course, swearing (as you indicate) is simply a sub-set of slang. If we put-aside slang phrases (as opposed to single words) - because most slang phrases are worn-out (i.e. cliches) then I don't see why we cannot treat slang words and slang-swearing words as ... words. I have long-maintained that using the appropriate words is an important task of a writer (poetry or fictional prose or article). I think hang-ups over swearing are very silly. Having said that, I quite agree about parents being up-tight and for genuine (if poor) reasons.

Let's consider the F-word. I would write it here with no problem but MM will turn it into sharp signs - viz: ####.

Now, if a lad shouts across the classroom to someone F-you or says it to me, that is very serious - because of the context. If, however, two lads are talking about going fishing and one says "I was going to buy an expensive rod but I thought F that, then that is perfectly ok by me. No intention to shock nor be rude.

My other objection to some words is if they are used too frequently. Some people produce sentences with F this and F that all time. That is bad speech. But it is equally bad to keep saying (as Tony Blair used to) "you know." A variety of words and phrases is needed for good speech... and good writing.

James.