query: Slang Words in Standard English

[Mark A. Mandel]

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Date: 07-Feb-2005
From: Hilary Sachs <hilsachs at verizon.net>
Subject: Slang Words in Standard English


Does anyone know of any examples of slang, or otherwise colorful words that
supplanted older, standard words in English?

I'm thinking of the Romance phenomenon, where some Latin words were
replaced by Vulgar Latin slang words in the Romance languages, such as or,
oris 'mouth' (standard Latin), which fell out of use and was replaced by
bucca 'cheeks puffed out from eating'. (French bouche, Sp. boca, etc.)

I can't find any English examples. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Hilary Sachs