This lecture is part of a course from The Great Courses called The Secret Life of Words: English Words and Their Origins taught by Professor PAnne Curzan, Ph.D.. This course and over 300 other courses can be accessed with a subscription to The Great Courses Plus.
This entertaining lecture from The Great Courses provides some history to the often used, but seldom studied subject of slang in language. Professor Anne Curzan, Ph.D. gives many examples of the history of slang words, some which have lasted the test of time, some which are newer, and some which have faded from use. She provides examples of how slang is used among youth and subcultures to rebel against the mainstream and formal communication. The lecture is sure to produce a few chuckles as Professor Curzan explains in scholarly terms many words and terms which are generally not used in the college classroom.