Behind the lingo - slang and the dictionary

This paper examines the complexities of slang, focusing on its ephemeral nature, unpredictable evolution and challenges in lexicographical documentation. Using Australian slang as a case study, the discussion spans historical examples such as James Hardy Vaux’s 19th -century convict glossary, modern slang innovations, as well as the results from a 2021 survey of 2,848 participants on “Aussie” terms. By analyzing linguistic survivors and fleeting trends, the paper highlights cultural, sociohistorical and linguistic forces shaping slang’s lifecycle. Technology, globalization and Australia’s embrace of informality further complicate the task of tracing and defining slang. As an embodiment of linguistic creativity, slang exemplifies the interplay between formal and informal language, reflecting a dynamic, ever-changing lexicon that lexicographers must navigate with increasing complexity.