Journal of English Literature and Linguistics Studies

Vol 2 (1) 2023

THE USE OF SLANG IN SELECTED SONGS BY BLACK EYED PEAS

LYRICS
Nuraida1, Abd Halim2
Universitas Negeri Makassar
Corresponding: abd.halim@unm.ac.id

Abstract
The researchers obtained several points that could lead to an easier understanding of this research. In this
finding, there are 4 types of the slang: blending, someone’s nicknames, shortened sentences, and society
slang. The most dominant type in the findings of this study is the type of society slang with 15 data from 35
slang data found, and the least type of slang found in the lyrics of the song is the blending type as many as 5
slang from 35 slang data in the findings. The second is the slang function in the lyrics of the black eyed peas’
song. The functions that have been set as many as 14 functions: Makes a Humor, look different/follow a
trend, look picturesque, attract attention, to avoid cliches, to the point/shortened sentences, increase
vocabulary, avoid words that are always used, talk and to write, to make it easier to interact in social, to
induce friendliness or intimacy, shows not part of the group, identity of a certain group, to be Secret. The
dominant slang function is shortened word or to the point as much as 7 data from 35 slang found. And the
last is the meaning that has been explained using several trusted dictionaries.

Keywords: Black Eyed Peas, song, Patridge, Slang, Type, Functions.

INTRODUCTION
In communicating, language acts as a tool that is always used to interact with humans which
serves to convey the intent, concept, or main idea, as well as a tool for self-expression. (Chaer
& Agustina, 2014:14). It can be concluded that humans really need language in communicating.
Krisdalaksana (2011: 24) also said: Language is a symbol of the sound system that is usually
used by the community in communicating. Language plays an important role in society because
people have a social nature in life to get interactions.
Language is a system that is regularly modeled and built from standard components.
Representing what is called meaning in sign language means that every expression in the
language makes sense. It refers to a person or people conveying something using a variation of
language.
Slang is informal words or phrases and expressions that are not used in general. These
phrases or words are often used by certain groups of people to communicate with words that
are difficult for others to understand. (Pemula, 2017), People with higher status are usually not
very familiar with slang and are mostly used by people in their group. Slang has many variations
among teenagers, its use is usually not common. This slang is an important feature of American
culture. This language has become a non-standard language and becomes a depiction of sports
objects, conversations carried out while drunk or even depictions of sex and everyday
conversation. According to Flexner's new dictionary, American slang is an expression or group
of words used by people who are able to understand the meaning of the word. Most Americans
know but many also refuse to accept it. Until this formula is only used by the majority.
Slang is a language that is mostly used by a group, young people, organizations so that not
many people know it. The slang can only be known by them (teenagers, organizations or
groups) but also an identity for the group (Sumarsono, 2011: 3). Aswin (2015:143) also said
that slang is a non-standard slang language and is widely used by teenagers or groups in
everyday life. Nowadays, teenagers often use slang for their conversation. Slang is a colloquial
expression mainly used by youth organizations that usually create new expressions. In America,
slang is a word used by social institutions. So people who are not from that group will not

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understand the meaning of the word. However, slang is most effectively used by the lower
social classes. Slang is also a popular teen language used in movies, newspapers, television,
and teen magazines. In this trend, comments (Seprina, 2017) show how American slang is
becoming more prevalent and playing a role in influencing everyday conversation.
The use of slang is becoming more popular now. Almost every time we find slang popping
up in every teen's conversation. (Hidayah & Ramadhan, 2020) also argues that the use of slang
is important for young people to achieve a social dynamism that allows them to express ideas
in the way they wish to see and understand. In fact, there are many factors that influence
teenagers to use slang words, such as in the increasingly widespread social media, in movies,
in TV programs and in song lyrics. Therefore, many songwriters write song lyrics according to
environmental conditions. So don't be surprised if nowadays many song lyrics adopt slang
words. There are also many slang words on TV programs and circulating on social media,
making slang familiar and increasingly popular (Seprina, 2017).
Sometimes in everyday conversation, we often use slang in song lyrics, because each
song's lyrics should convey emotion to the listener. Therefore, musicians must be careful in
selecting words for each sentence so that the listeners are interested in listening to the music.
Instead, the musicians use slang in the lyrics. Speaking of songs and music, there are many
different types of music in this world, including hip-hop.
There are many slang words that we can find in everyday conversations, especially when
listening to hip hop songs. Native and non-native can be confused with these new slang words.
Because they didn’t understand the meaning of these words. Especially recently, various media
have appeared and new slang words have spread rapidly. Building on the above phenomenon,
the book is interested in researching the use of slang in hip-hop music.
The reason researchers use the song black eyed peas is because in the song a lot of slang
is used and many people don't understand what is a slang and how to use it, and the slang seems
interesting. In this research, the researchers intend to examine a song entitled Rock That Body,
Missing You, Alive, Imma Be, Meet Me Halfway, I Gotta Feeling, Mare, Rockin to Beat Ring-
A-Ling, and Boom Boom Pow.
From the song, the researchers then established three questions in response to the problem
of the slang are:
1. What are the types of the slang found in the selected song by Black Eyed Peas' lyrics?
2. What are the functions of the slang found in the selected song by Black Eyed Peas' lyrics?
3. What is the meaning of the slang found in the selected song by Black Eyed Peas' lyrics?
Review of Literature
Language is influenced by society and society is influenced by language. The two are
interrelated. So language and society make sociolinguistic studies. This agrees with Hudson
(1980:1) who said: " Sociolinguistics is the study of language in relation to society. Hudson's
theory is also strengthened by Holmes (1992:2) said: sociolinguistics is a study that is
interrelated between language and society, Holmes (1992) also said: “that sociolinguistics is
closely related between languages and the ways in which they are used. This makes us
interested in exploring why we interact with each other differently in different social contexts
and how language functions in conveying implied social meanings”. This is also reinforced by
Wardahaugh (1986:12-13) which states that sociolinguistics is concerned with researching a
language related to society, understanding the function of language in interacting and
understanding the structure of language itself, while the sociology of language is concerned
with research between languages with society through the study of the language to understand
its social structure.
Language has a basic dimension, especially form and its meaning. The representation of
the figure can be divided into three parts: sound, text, and shape. Meaning falls into three

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categories: vocabulary, practicality, and structure. The use of language may refer to
pronunciation, social empire, social institutions, and so on. Although basically whatever
language the speaker conveys can be easily understood, the words expressed do not represent
a homogeneous (comparable) collection of human societies. In the wide variety of languages,
there are two views, the first is that language diversity is seen as a result of social variance in
speakers and gives a language feature. the second variant that has been formed with the function
to influence each other in a diffusion network activity.
Hudson (1980:24) asserts that the look at language variety is a critical part of
sociolinguistics because it becomes related to social elements.
Languages range from one area to some other, from one social organization to any other
institution and from one scenario to some other state of affairs. Language has versions that are
related to the superiority, level, class and social majesty of the speaker:
a. Akrolek, a variation where social status is more important and more dignified than other
social differences.
b. Basilek, social differences and lesser known, or even lower
c. Vulgar, the characteristics of social difference seem to be used in the language by those
who are less educated, or among the uneducated.
d. Slang, unique and secret social diversity. This means that this variable used in a particular
circuit is very limited and may not be recognized by the group.
e. Local and social transformations used in everyday conversation.
f. Terminology, a social transformation that a particular social group uses limitedly.
g. Argot, a social transformation with limited use in some professions. The place of slang
singularity lies in the vocabulary
h. Ken (Can't), some excuse tone of social variation, full of whining and pretense.
Based on the above interpretation, literature, like all art, is only creative and engaging, like
a new novel, but strangely it has no critical or essential utility. This is a specific notice. But
literature, even if it is not always important, is a means of identifying the problems.
Slang
Slang is a language that varies and is always used in youth groups. Chaer & Agustin in Antro
(2018: 2) “slang is a secret language used by certain groups to interact so that it is not easily
known by the others' '. This is almost similar to the definition of language if language is the
main tool used to communicate from one individual to another, to get or convey information or
to become self-identity (Krisdalaksana & Aslina 2007: 1).
Slang appears to have an impact on language, it enriches language vocabulary that is
communicated using old words but with new meanings, rarely used with new words, but more
often using old words with new meanings. We always encounter slang words or phrases where
slang adapts to the habits and ideas that grow in society (Alwasilah1985:56).
Digital song studios began to be placed on the type of music that was believed to be capable
of collaborating a recording of everyday conversations, microphones and phonographs,
variable speed tape records, where jazz songs that appeared combined with the traditions of
Europe and Africa in the Straits of America region Pierre Schaeffer (1948). African tones stand
out in a variety of blue tones, improvisation, vowels, swing words, and polyrhythms. Latin
songs are clearly derived from the wider global Latin language, particularly United States Latin
with a mix of American Latin, as well as genres from overseas European countries including
Spain and Portugal.
Slang is a non-widespread vocabulary consisting of phrases or meanings that are
characterized mainly through the connotation of severe informality and usually through forex
is now not restricted to a particular environment (Fromkin & Rodman, 2003:264). This slang
is relaxed and with its rapid growth, many new words appear and are used as creative

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expressions by the people who make it and are relatively simple in pronunciation. However, it
cannot be denied that many also usually consist of arbitrarily modified phrases or words,
truncated or shortened documents, exaggerated, suppressed, or humorous figures of speech, or
verbal novels.
In slang as a tool for beautifying language, slang becomes a relaxed language spread among
the small groups that provides a unique form of expression and is recognized by the group of
users. These slang words are actually taken from old and new words and are used by groups to
become new terms. But there are also outsiders who refuse to use slang. This language is finally
proving to have many benefits and is interesting enough to use as a language style that looks
modern and informal. Even little by little it can be well accepted by society. Although slang
was initially used as an experience in speaking, it has now become widespread and has become
an expression.
Types of Slang
Slang can change depending on the environment. Because the environment is a major factor in
changing slang vocabulary, so slang has many types. Patridge (1950:262) argues that there are
several types of slang, namely:
1. Blending
Blending is a combination of words where there are two or more words so that a new word
appears. Usually the merging process uses the beginning of the word and the end of the
word.
2. Someone's Nickname
Someone's Nickname is a type of slang that relates to someone, and displays a certain
condition of them.
3. Shortened sentences
Shortened sentence is a type of slang which is originally a long sentence and is shortened by
the speaker.
4. Society Slang
Society Slang is a type of slang that is always said in daily activities and is interrelated with
the community. In its use, people are always in groups so that the slang used is more than
one type of slang and the slang becomes the identity of their group.
The Function of Slang
Slang usually has a specific use within a group. Patridge (1981:287) said there are 14 uses of
Slang: makes a humor, look different or follow a trend, look picturesque, attract attention, to
avoid cliches, to the point or shortened sentences, increase vocabulary, avoid words that are
always used, talk and to write, to make it easier to interact in social, to induce friendliness or
intimacy, shows not part of the group, identity of a certain group, to be Secret.
Azizah (2019) argues that the use of slang is caused by the proliferation of young people
who use it in public spaces to make the main purpose of this slang changed which was originally
used to cover secrets from other groups. But now it is a language trend that makes many goals
for its users. Hilaliyah (2015) also argues that in modern times slang is no longer the main goal
for hiding information, but teenagers are now giving variations to language and giving language
a beautiful characteristic to be able to give expression.
There are many other uses of the terminology depending on the individual and the
community's neighborhood. This is because the greatest slang for the spoken phrase is used by
people who don't know how many miles long. The choice of terms certainly follows a multitude
of unconscious conceptual styles. Although used by scholars, the terminology is chosen much
more carefully and carefully to achieve its precise impact. But I rarely invent slang.
The Meaning
In linguistics, something that is conveyed or communicated by a speaker serves to convey the

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meaning of the listener's task, namely to conclude what is captured from the conversation.
Information whose meaning can be very important to identify a message in a song. Most people
are always interested in what they mean. We are often unconvinced of the message we are
meant to get from what we read and pay attention to. From the delivery of our message to
others, we feel concerned. To master a language is to master a degree, to know the meaning of
every word Fedderick (1988:4).
Due to the above explanation, anyone who studies or reads English fluently can easily get
acquainted with the spoken dictionary. However, sometimes expressions have very unique
meanings or foundations, so you will often find that learning a language hopes to understand
the correct expression in the chosen context. In this study, the author puts more emphasis on
contextual meaning when reading the jargon of the Black Eyed Peas in the E.N.D album, as the
author wants to understand the contextual meaning of the words. So the researcher uses the
Essential American Slang Dictionary which is used as a reference in finding the meaning of the
slang.
The meaning associated with a term provides a picture of information that shows the
context in which it is used. In this context, it is a group of interconnected hearts. Usually it does
not mean just one word. This causes researchers to take and use the songs from the Black Eyed
Peas on their END album. Its meaning is determined by the given situation Harmon (1998, 73).
The Indicators
1. The informal situation of typical in slang
The shape of the language is related to the scenario. In formal situations, humans trust in
official language and in random situations in random language.
2. The spoken language of typical in slang
While writing is a situation where we are more formal than when we speak, traditional slang
is a formal condition. It can be said that slang is an ordinary spoken language.
3. Can’t found the slang in grammar but in word
All languages include a vocabulary and a grammar. Because slang has no grammar, slang
cannot be considered a language. That's why when man almost speaks slang. His miles of
quoted sentences aren't grammar or pronunciation.
4. Swearing is not in the slang
This type of abusive slang is used to express a lifestyle taboo and sometimes express it
strongly and with little emotion. This slang is sure to be special. Slang may also have
contraindications, but it is mostly used for laughter, and it is important that it is used
emotionally.
5. Register is not in the slang
A record is a specialized vocabulary possessed of a sensible profession and activity. Records
vary in slang, but may include slang if the specialized vocabulary is informalJargon or argot
is not slang
6. Slang is creative
In the discovery of slang words, there must have been a lot of creativity. The purpose of a
normal phrase is to surprise, entertain, or shock.
7. Slang is short-lived
As previously mentioned, slang cannot last for thousands of years though. Usually slang is
neutral and can easily disappear. Most slang words like bicycle, telephone, bar, bus etc are
standard. but many have also disappeared. Slang can change all the time. Either slang for
individuals, for a generation or it may not be intended for other people. Lots of slang that
has been in the past has been replaced with new slang following the changing times.
The Types and Music
Almost everyone loves music. No matter what kind of music, no matter how difficult it is, they

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will try to understand it. Banoe (2003, p. 288), “Muse is a word for music. It is said to be one
of the mythological deities of Greek origin for the deity of the humanities and sciences. He also
believes tracks are an art department, taking unique sounds and mapping them into patterns that
people can understand. Aristotle said that songs have the power to break the heart, relax and
inspire patriotism. A song is a sound organized to include rhythm, music, and harmony,
especially the sound produced by equipment capable of creating rhythm.
Music is a kind of intuitive phenomenon, but creation, improvement and presentation are
art forms. Melody is a very special phenomenon and can be created using many instruments
and a variety of supporting devices. The focus is on comfort. In this globalization there are
many forms of melodies consisting of brush, classical melodies, USA, Adjustment, digital
adjustment, etc. Each genre of songs has features that are not like the others, and lovers of songs
in each genre cannot be underestimated. In the late 19th century, the musical genre called blues
was an African American orchestra. Profanity, USA a. Song is the advance from Southern
the United States folks and western cowboy music in the rural areas of the Southern USA
in the 1920s. Dance tunes and ballads with harmonies and simple shape performed with banjos,
acoustic and electric guitars, harmonicas and fiddles, digital track, these days recommend
that the character and first-class of the track is artificial, the music is created and manipulated
by using electronics rather than overall performance by means of acoustic gadgets.
Language, the cultural and historical background of the artist, geography, and musical
costume are the main factors that outline Latin music. These four elements are combined in an
exceptional way, and works are usually presented in combination with two or more of the main
elements. Accurately label pop tracks, including Latin melodies and famous tunes. While pop
describes songs that emerged from the downtown rock and roll revolution of the 1950s and
have forged their own path to the present day, pop songs express a taste or desire for 19th-
century urban midrange splendor. It refers to the tunes manufactured up to the century and
today (Hebdidge, 1987).
Usually the words they use are controversial or create provocative themes. People who like
to listen to metal music are called metal heads and head bangers. Developed in the United
States, United Kingdom and Australia from 1974 to 1976, punk music is a type of rock music
based on proto-punk garage rock music. The band stripped out the instrumentation to create a
song that was fast, political, and hard to sustain. In the 1970s Rap songs grew along the streets
of African cities. People of all ages make Rap as music that is very popular among them. Rap
is a feeling that is poured out in a different form "The basic rhythm of music must remain in
harmony with the rhythm of the musician" (Edwards, 2009:63).
METHOD
Design
In this research, the researchers used a qualitative descriptive method aimed at the analysis of
the lyrics. Creswell, (1994:145) qualitative research is a description of what researchers are
interested in about the process, meaning, and understanding obtained through words or pictures.
Bogdan and Biklen (1982) argue that qualitative research is descriptive in that the data is
collected in the form of words or a picture and not a picture. The data obtained can be in the
form of quotations from documents, field notes, and an interview or excerpts from video
cassettes, audio tapes, or electronic communications used to present their findings in the study.
Creswell, (1994:145) qualitative research is a description of what researchers are interested
in about the process, meaning, and understanding obtained through words or pictures. Bogdan
and Biklen (1982) argue that qualitative research is descriptive in that the data is collected in
the form of words or a picture and not a picture. The data obtained can be in the form of
quotations from documents, field notes, and an interview or excerpts from video cassettes,
audio tapes, or electronic communications used to present their findings in the study. Therefore,

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this research is descriptive qualitative. To conduct this research, the researchers used data
analysis techniques based on Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014) which states that the
analysis consists of three. Activities that occur simultaneously, namely: data reduction, data
display and. drawing conclusions/verification.
Instruments
In this research, the researchers used two sources of data, namely primary data and secondary
data. The primary data source of this research is the songs of Black Eyed Peas’ and secondary
data sources in research are some articles, journals, or books related to the songs.
Procedures
The method of data collection is the type of data collection in this research. Several data
collection methods or procedures have been used to collect the data used in this research. The
researchers use a qualitative approach in which data is a form of speech. Here are some steps
you can take to begin the process of preparation for mediation:
1. Listening while looking at the lyrics of the Black Eyed Peas song that has been selected with
a romantic theme. There were 10 songs with titles based on the topic choice: Rock That
Body, Missing You, Alive, Imma Be, Meet Me Halfway, I Gotta Feeling, Mare, Rockin to
Beat Ring-A-Ling, and Boom Boom Pow.
2. Identifying the data by collecting slang data that has been found in song lyrics.
3. Classification the Data is like, grouping data according to predetermined categories.
4. Data elaboration. In this step, the researchers begins to analyze the data carefully which has
been grouped according to its category, which is to begin to identify what its uses and types
are using the theory by Patridge in analyze that, and then given the both of them a meaning
using the dictionary guide Essential American Slang and American Slang and Colloquial
Expressions, McGraw-Hill's Essential American Slang Dictionary, and Cambridge
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
5. The final step is verification. The researcher re-verify the data that has been processed to
review its veracity, whether the data that has been processed is accurate or not.
Data analysis
The researchers use the technique of the data analyzing based on (Miles, Huberman and Saldana
,2014) method as follows:
1. Data condensation
Data compaction is the process of selecting, simplifying, summarizing and/or
transforming data found in the fields of Miles, Huberman & Saldana (2014).
The researchers determined that the data is already contained in the provided text and uses the
data. The researchers then analyze the data provided using Hudson's 1980 theory.
2. Data Display
The second is to present the data in a clearer and easier to understand way. This should
simplify the data found and draw conclusions more easily. This makes it easier for the
researchers to proceed further in the analysis process. (Miles et al., 2014, p. 10)
3. Drawing and Verifying Conclusions
The final step is to draw conclusions from the collected data and validate them to complete
all the data.
The goal at this stage is an experimental conclusion. One conclusion cannot be reached
and must be repeated. In particular, the meaning of the word being analyzed must be accurate,
and the data must be analyzed frequently to ensure its accuracy.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Findings

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1. In the table 1 below there are several 4 types of slang and the meanings which have
been explained in detail:

Table 1.1: Finding the type and function of slang in Boom-Boom Pow songs.
No Lyric Slang / Line Type Meaning
1. Gotta get that / line1 Blending Have to go

The meaning of slang in the I’mma Be song

The first word of table 1 is “Gotta” in line 1. The word “Gotta” means that one must leave
immediately. The meaning is taken from NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial
Expressions third edition, Richard A. Spears Ph.D, 2000. This word is also included in the
Blending type because it stands for "Go + to", and the word serves to express a sentence with
to the point without small talk.

Tables 1.2: Finding the type and function of slang in Imma Be song.
No Lyric Slang / Line Type Meaning
1. Imma be chillin with Society Slang
my mutha mutha great
crew. Line 5

The meaning of slang in the I’mma Be song

The first word is “Imma Be” on line 1. The meaning of the word “I'mma be” is I will person.
The word is taken from the third edition of NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and
Colloquial Expressions, Richard A. Spears Ph.D, 2000. This word is also included in the
Blending type, because the word is an abbreviation of "I am + Going + to" and the word
serves to shorten sentences or are to the point.

Tables 1.3: Finding the type and function of slang in Meet Me Halfway songs
No Lyric Slang / Line Type Meaning
1. I spend my time just Shortened about
thinkin’, thinkin’, Sentences
thinkin’, ‘bout you.
Line 3

The meaning of slang in the Meet Me Halfway song

The first word is “bout” online 3. The word “bout” means about. Its meaning is taken from the
NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions third edition, Richard A.
Spears Ph.D, 2000. This word is also included in the type of Shortened sentences because the
word "about become bout", and the word is used to make is easier in interacting.

Tables 1.4: Finding the type and function of slang in Alive song.
No Lyric Slang / Line Type Meaning
1. For you darlin’ and Someone’s sweetie
I. Line 2 Nicknames

The meaning of slang in Rock that Body song

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The first word is "darlin" on line 2. The word "darlin" means sweetie. Its meaning is taken from
the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary third edition, Elizabeth Walter, 2008. This word
also belongs to someone's nicknames and is used to strengthen a relationship or intimacy.

2. The following table 2 is a slang extract which is a function found on the E.N.D by
Black Eyed Peas album song
Table 2.1 Description of the Function
There are several 14 functions and meanings which have been explained:
No Lyric Slang / Line Function Meaning
1. Gotta get that / line1 To the point/ Have to go
Shortened
Sentences
2. Them chickens Show not of the A coward
jackin’ my style. group
3. They try to copy my identity of a A cool person.
swagger. Line 13 certain group
4. Y’all hear the to make it easier to You + all
spaceship zoom. interact in social
Line 27
5. Next level visual avoid words that Anything
shit. Line 8 are always used,
6. Imma be chillin with different/follow a great
my mutha mutha trend
crew. Line 5
7. Imma be chillin with increase Mother
my mutha mutha vocabulary
crew. Line 5
8. Rich Baby, quick, to induce One’s sweetheart
quick, I’mma, Imma friendliness or
be. Line 20 intimacy
9. Imma be the average look picturesque Best friend
brother with soul.
Line 28
10. Hot damn, there she attract attention, Sexually/
goes, bangin like a Accurased
video. Line 12
11. I want you so bad to Indeed
it’s my only wish. avoid cilches
Line 16
12. You’re my number to induce Closest
one. Line 14 friendliness or
intimacy
13. - Make a Humor -
14. - To be Secret -
Discussion
Based on the findings, there are 70 total slang data found on the song black eyed peas on
the E.N.D album: Rock That Body, Missing You, Alive, Imma Be, Meet Me Halfway, I Gotta
Feeling, Mare, Rockin to Beat Ring-A-Ling, and Boom Boom Pow.

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For the types that have been analyzed there are 4 types including: Blending, Someone's
Nicknames, Shortened Sentences and Society Slang. Based on these types, there are 5 types of
blending, 9 types of Someone's Nicknames, 6 types of Shortened Sentences, and 15 types of
Society Slang. The dominant type of slang that appears is society slang. This is because this
type of slang is most widely used by people in America, especially singers. A singers who often
brings slang with society type is Black Eyed Peas whose aim is to express hate and love, which
Americans often use in their daily conversations. Not only in the community, but this slang is
also often used in the family environment, especially often used by teenagers in their daily
conversations. And the least used is blending because Americans prefer to explain
conversations clearly without having to use confusing discussions.
And then, on the functions that have been set as many as 14 functions: Makes a Humor,
look different/follow a trend, look picturesque, attract attention, to avoid cliches, to the
point/shortened sentences, increase vocabulary, avoid words that are always used, talk and to
write, to make it easier to interact in social, to induce friendliness or intimacy, shows not part
of the group, identity of a certain group, to be Secret. Based on the above functions, there are
only 12 functions contained in the song E.N.D album, namely, 1 data function look
different/follow a trend, 3 data look picturesque, 5 data functions attract attention, 1 data
function to avoid cliche, 7 data functions to the point/ shortened sentences, 1 data function to
increase vocabulary, 6 data functions of avoid words that are always used, 4 data functions to
make it easier to interact in social, 4 data functions to induce friendliness or intimacy, 1 data
function shows not part of the group, and as many as 2 data identity functions of a certain group.
From the side of the function data that has been analyzed, the dominant function is the shortened
word function or to the point, because shortened slang makes it easier for American people and
especially teenagers in their daily conversation. Because slang is an informal language that is
used in daily conversation, the type of shortened sentences in slang is very helpful in making
conversations easier. So this is the reason why this type is very dominant.
It turns out that the most dominant type on E.N.D albums is social slang, because in this
song, it's an African-American hip-hop song whose slang was first formed because of a
demonstration made by black youth against white people by expressing slang. Through song
lyrics and songs, they use familiar slang that is heard and used by the wider community.
Moreover, the main feature of the slang contained in this song is the shortened word feature or
gist. This is because the purpose is to make it easier to pronounce the words you want to say in
everyday communication of the lyrics. However, going back in the history of slang, they first
used slang as a way of demonstrating through the songs they sang by making it easier to
pronounce.
The second finding is the analysis of its meaning. The meaning is an idea that the speaker
is trying to convey to the recipient according to the context he wants to convey. To know a
message, it is very important first to understand its meaning in order to know the meaning of
the text or song lyrics that are sung. Fedderick (1988:4) said “Mastering a language is a master's
degree and knowing what it all means ." From the words above, the researcher concludes that
each word sometimes has a different meaning. So we are required to have a good understanding
in a language that fits the context. Where the meaning of the context is the meaning and the
word must be interconnected in a written media that is being made or being read.
CONCLUSION
The researchers obtained several points that could lead to an easier understanding of this
research. In this finding, there are 4 types of the slang are blending, someone’s nicknames,
shortened sentences, and society slang. The most dominant type in the findings of this study is
the type of society slang with 15 data from 35 slang data found, and the least type of slang
found in the lyrics of the song is the blending type as many as 5 slang from 35 slang data in the

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 Journal of English Literature and Linguistics Studies
Vol 2 (1) 2023

findings. The second is the slang function in the lyrics of the black eyed peas’ song. The
functions that have been set as many as 14 functions: Makes a Humor, look different/follow a
trend, look picturesque, attract attention, to avoid cliches, to the point/shortened sentences,
increase vocabulary, avoid words that are always used, talk and to write, to make it easier to
interact in social, to induce friendliness or intimacy, shows not part of the group, identity of a
certain group, to be Secret. The dominant slang function is shortened word or to the point as
much as 7 data from 35 slang found. And the last is the meaning that has been explained using
several trusted dictionaries.
Based on the conclusions presented, the researcher would like to convey some pedagogical
implications. This is very important to be able to be a motivation for readers to become a lesson
to be better able to understand the meaning of the slang. That is heard either in someone's mouth
or listening through the songs that are listened to. This is to provide broad insight in the process
of interacting with other people and being able to express themselves using a variety of
languages. The first is that readers who are students or even other institutions are expected to
always provide the confidence to continue to practice speaking using slang in English in daily
activities. Despite the fact that many people are afraid to speak using English slang for fear of
making mistakes. Second, keep listening to English songs that have a lot of slang in them, then
find out the meaning of the word, so that it enriches vocabulary and language variations that
can be understood and spoken. It is important to know that learning English is not just a
language, but also to know all other subject.
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