According to the Oxford dictionary, the origin of word slang is unknown, but that slang has been a powerful force in linguistic usage and within social classes and defined groups is beyond doubt. Today, the frontier between slang and given or received English is more ill-defined than ever. Slang is a sympton of the amoebic ability of the English language to accomodate and evolve, and its humour and descriptive power have been a major factor in the emergence of English as the global "lingua franca". Some slang words endure for a brief period, others find a more lasting place in the language, while others still become adopted in to the "Queen's English". Examples of all types can be found to inform and amuse in this dictionary.
