APPROVEMENT
AN ANALYSIS OF SLANG LANGUAGE IN “MALIBU’S MOST
WANTED” MOVIE
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for
The Strata 1 Degree (S1)
Ulfah Yuniarti NIM 103026027635
Approved by:
Drs. A. Saefuddin, M.Pd NIP 150 261 902
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
“SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH”
LEGALIZATION
The thesis entitled “ An Analysis of Slang Language in the Malibu’s Most Wanted Movie” has been defended before the Letters and Humanities Faculty’s Examination Committee on 21 January 2008. The thesis has already been accepted as a Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Strata 1 Degree.
Jakarta, 21 January 2008
Examination Committee
Chair Person, Secretary,
DR. H. M. Farkhan, M.Pd Drs. A. Saefuddin, M.Pd
NIP 150 299 480 NIP 150 261 903
Members:
Examiner I Examiner II
DR. H. M. Farkhan, M.Pd Drs. Abdul Hamid, M. Ed
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the nest of my knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgment has been made in the text.
Jakarta, 2008
ABSTRACT
ULFAH YUNIARTI, An Analysis of Slang Language in Malibu’s Most Wanted movie. Thesis, Jakarta: English Letters Department, Adab and Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah, 2008.
Language becomes the important role in social life. There is non standard language has known as Slang language and recognized as the vulgar and inelegant phrase. In this paper, the writer discusses about analysis of slang language in the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie. The purpose of this study is to find out the types of slang language, the meaning and the reasons of using them in the movie. The writer focused the study on the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie, produced by Warner Bros Picture, 2003.
The writer uses descriptive qualitative method, where she describes one by one word or phrase of slang language from the movie. From the analysis, the writer selects three types of slang, they are: public house slang, workmen’s slang and society slang. To support the analysis, the writer uses some dictionaries of slang language and other related references.
The writer also uses some theories that related to slang language and the definition of slang. To find the word of slang, the writer uses Malibu’s Most Wanted movie as the unit analysis. The writers has already selected eighteen of slang words from the movie and analyze them one by one.
After the writer explains the theoretical framework, she tabulated data of slang words or phrases. Then, she analyses the data through the perspective of slang types, setting, meaning and reasoning of using the slang.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
All praises to be Allah SWT, Almighty and Merciful, the Great Creator and the Lord of universe, who amazingly and mysteriously guide the writer during the process of writing this paper. Peace and salutation are upon the greatest prophet Muhammad SAW, his family, companions and adherents.
The writer would like to give her sincerest gratitude to her beloved parents, her father Syafi’i who always gives love, advice, understanding and financial encouragement during the process of her paper, and also her mother Khomisah who always pray for her every time, it makes the writer realize that she would never finish the study without their support.
The writer also wants to thank some persons who have contributed much while this paper is in the process of writing until it becomes a complete work, they are as follows:
1. DR. H. Abdul Chair, the Dean of Letters and Humanities Faculty. 2. DR. H. M. Farkhan, M.Pd, the Head of English Letters Department
3. Drs. A. Saefuddin, M.Pd, as the Secretary of English Letters Department and also as the writer’s advisor, her thank for his time, guidance, kindness and contribution in correcting and also helping her in finishing the paper.
5. Her beloved brothers, Mas Amin and Mas Lukman who give a computer to make easier in completing the paper. Her sister Mba Tuti, for her support and suggestion. Her younger brother, Haris for the jokes and lend her, “Naruto” comics, “That is fun, bru!!”
6. Her thanks also for her sister in law, Dillah who always support, pray, and critics all the time and also thank for spending the time together.
7. To her dearest friend Fandi Ahmad Aziz, for his support and pray.
8. Her thanks to all of the writer’s best classmates of English Letters Department, especially Pipit, Nyu2n, Nabela, Rangga, Budi, Yuzna, Emak, Yuni and Eulis who become the spirit of the writer to finish the paper as soon as possible, and also for the friendship, support, and suggestion all the time. “Friendship never ends, guys!!”
May Allah SWT, the Almighty and the Merciful blesses them all, amien. The writer realizes that this paper is not fully perfect. Therefore, the writer would like to accept any constructive suggestions to make this paper better.
Jakarta,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVEMENT ... i
LEGALIZATION ... ii
DECLARATION ... iii
ABSTRACT ... iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS... vii
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Study ... 1
B. Focus of the Study ... 4
C. Research Question ... 4
D. Significance of the Study ... 4
E. Methodology of Research ... 5
1. Objective of the Research ... 5
2. Time and Place of the Research... 6
3. Method of the Research ... 6
4. Instrument ... 6
5. Technique of Data Analysis ... 6
CHAPTER II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A. The Definition of Language ... 8
B. The Meaning of Slang Language ... 11
C. History of Slang Language ... 13
D. Kinds of Slang Language ... 15
CHAPTER III. RESEARCH FINDING
A. Description of the Data ... 27
B. Analysis of Data ... 29
CHAPTER IV. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS A. Conclusions ... 51
B. Suggestions ... 52
REFERENCES ... 53
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Study
As social human being, people have to interact with another. One of the ways is through language. By language people can cooperate and communicate, so that they can understand each other.
According to Djoko Ketjono, “Bahasa adalah sistem lambang bunyi yang arbiter yang digunakan oleh para anggota kelompok social untuk bekerjasama, berkomunikasi dan mengidentifikasi diri.”1, or it can be said “language it self is a system of arbitrary vocal symbol used by a social group for cooperation, communication and identification.” Therefore, language has an important role for human life. Beside to communicate language also the important part to look after and make a relationship with other people. “Language is not simply a means of communicating information but also very important means of establishing and maintaining relationship with other people.”2
Every human being has their own personality and consciously or not they show the characteristic of their personality in language. The language used by every body also has different characteristics. Basically, the using of language by each
1
Djoko Kentjono, Dasar-Dasar Linguistik Umum, (Jakarta: Universitas Indonesia, 2003) p. 2
2
individual represents their social class in society. Whereas, for a social group language is more necessary as a social identity than a system.
There are many kinds of languages in the world. But, as we know that English represents the first International language that used when people want to going abroad. That is the reason, why English become important part in every aspect of social life. The importance of the English language is naturally great. English has spread across the country even not only in England but become the national language in United States too.
There are many kinds of non-standard languages, one of non-standard language is slang which has impolite and rude meaning. The writer limits the discussion only about slang which is recognized as vulgar and inelegant phrase or word. Nevertheless, slang always develops and follows new trend. As a mode, slang appears and most of people choose to use it not because of requirement but slang has uniqueness, and also it can be found everywhere. Wishnubroto Widarso said in his book, “Slang juga seperti fashion; muncul, setiap orang menyukainya, lalu menggunakannya dan bisa ditemukan dimanapun”3, or it can be said “Slang also likes a fashion; it comes, everybody loves it, then uses it and can be found anywhere.” Slang often suggests the person utilizing the words or phrases is familiar with the hearer's group or subgroup; it can be considered as distinguishing factor of in-group identity.
3
Wishnubroto Widarso, Bahasa Inggris; dialek, ragam, jargon, slang, blends, clipped words,
Word or phrase slang is found because of habits or ideas that appear in society. The use of Slang is the way to define new word that can enrich language itself. Generally, most of countries have their own slang term in their language. In Indonesia, slang also can be found in daily conversation and most of teenager uses it, such as katro (old-school), narsis (narcissi), cewek (girl), etc. Besides being used by teenagers, there are some other social groups who usually use it, such as: gambler, street gang, criminal, drug user, football player. ”Slang is to be chosen rather than required, much of teenage talk, speech of street gangs, gambler, criminal, drug user, football player.”4 Language comes from ordinary word or phrase but it can represent special vocabulary in small group. For the most part, slang is an extension into ordinary speech of the special vocabularies of small group- professional, criminal, teenage and other.
The use of slang can also be found in lyrics of songs and movies. Especially, movie and song that bring out the social culture and somebody’s identity. To analyze slang language, the writer chooses Malibu's Most Wanted movie for the research material, which is about the background of how urban Negro (black people) live and exploit the racial stereotype, most of them have lived as a gang-banger and street rapper. This movie tells about a white rich Jewish kid from Malibu named Brad Gluckman who acts like black people (Negro) by being a rapper and always using
4
street slang. Then, some black people can’t accept that because they think Brad has stolen their culture.
The writer feels excited to analyze this movie because it has interesting and entertaining story, also there are some slang words or phrases in conversation used by the characters (actor/actress) that the writer can analyze it, for example:
SEAN (incredulous): “Hold the phone, buddy... you want us to scare this kid until he starts acting like a nice little white boy again?” Buddy in the text means friend (fellow) and kid from the word child means a young man.
From the examples above, we can see that some slang language in the movie can be understood directly, but some can not, then we must see in dictionary or other references to find the real meaning of the slang.
B. Focus of the Study
In this research the writer has to limit discussion by focusing only on slang words or phrases which are used in Malibu’s Most Wanted movie, and relates them to sociolinguistic such as background, setting and meaning.
C. The Research Question
Based on the background of the research, hence the problem will be formulated as follows:
2. How does the writer describe about the reasons of using the slang language seen from the sociolinguistic perspective?
D. Significance of the Study
Basically, the significance of this research is to increase the study about linguistic especially about slang which is included into non standard language. Also to understand types of slang language that used in Malibu’s most wanted movie. By knowing the theory and the meaning of the slang, it will help the readers to increase knowledge particularly in understanding slang language.
This study hopefully has some benefits for all students, especially at UIN English Letter Department student. Moreover, in this study the student can apply their knowledge and comprehension in the appropriate daily conversation, especially in informal occasion.
E. Methodology of Research
1. Objective of the Research
2. Time and Place of the Research
The writer starts her research in April 2007, when she is in eight semester, at English Letter Department, Adab and Humaniora Faculty, State Islamic University. It takes place at UNIKA Atmajaya Library, University of Indonesia Library, and Library Centre of State Islamic University.
3. Method of the Research
The writer uses the descriptive qualitative as a method of the research. Thus, the descriptive method is the way to describe and explain something as what it is. By using this method the writer tries to explain about slang language used in Malibu’s Most Wanted movie
4. Instrument
As qualitative research, the writer herself is the main instrument by searching some materials that related to slang language. Then, to get more accurate data of research the writer identifies Malibu’s Most Wanted movie by watching. She also reads the script of the movie, then marks words or phrases that include into slang. 5. Technique of Data Analysis
The next step is the writer start to analyze, besides reading the script the writer also find the meaning from dictionary of slang language to get the accurate meaning. The last is the analysis about slang language in Malibu’s Most Wanted movie.
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. The Definition of Language
As the writer explained in chapter I that language becomes the important part of social life. It distinguishes human from other living things in this world. When somebody knows a language, they can understand each other through good communication. Through a language people can convey their ideas, emotion even desires. As Edward Sapir, the great philologist said that “language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbol.”5
Every language has different dialect and accent. Even English language, England and America have a different dialect. However, dialect refers to cohesive, chiefly regional and socioeconomic varieties of language, in social group and the social situation in which it is used. So, each region has it own dialect. “Dialect refers to any variety of a language that is characteristics of a particular social group”.6 The characteristic of working-class and middle class are sometime called as social dialect. African American and Latin or Hispanic is included into ethnic group dialect. Along with the changes of the decade, language also has improved the new word or phrase
5
Albert H Marckwardt, Introduction to the English Language, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1966), p. 79
6
into the old meaning to enriching of the modern English vocabulary. Based on words standardization, language has been divided into two kinds, standard and non-standard language. Standard English is the kind of vocabulary and usage that is taught in school and used in serious writing by even moderately painstaking professionals.7 The improving of new words is related to what writer wants to discuss, which is about slang language that linguists say it is the low and non standard language but the writer wants to find out why this language is famous and can be accepted by every class in the society until today.
Thus, in this chapter, the writer wants to describe about theories of slang, history of slang, kinds of slang and reasons why some people use them. Slang language includes the variation of language known as rough and vulgar meaning. In this case, vulgar means a social variety that has own characteristic and used by lowest grade. Among the many of slang definition, even positive or negative, slang becomes the good way for mainstream in language. According to Oxford Dictionary, slang is ”the special vocabulary used by any set of persons of a low or disreputable character language of low a vulgar type.”8 As the writer describe previously, slang is non-standard language and it is like a secret language, and only particular group knows it and sometimes it is creation of new word or synonym, for example:
a. Madness loony, nuts, psycho (means) somebody who extremely angry, sometimes become insane.
7
Lighter, J. E, Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, (New York: Random House, 1994), p. xv
8
b. Dollar bucks (means) U.S currency.
c. Woman babe, chick, squeeze (means) it’s the epithet for woman in informal occasion.
d. Drugs horse, high, stoned (means) narcotics.
e. Money dough, cheddar (means) the simply way to say “money”9
Beside slang language can be discussed from synonym but also it is formed from suffix. For example, freak+y freaky means frightening, and word peach+y peachy means wonderful.10 Slang words are often come from morphology term it is called clipping. Clipping is the element of reduction that is noticeable in blending is even more apparent in the process described or the result of shortening word as in bro from brother or flu from influenza.11 Then, slang language comes from combining or compounding which is a joining of two separate words to produce a single form, for example bullshit means “nonsense”, this word come from two words are “bull” and “shit”, also another example is compounds adjective “fast” plus noun “food” become fast-food.12
Discussions of slang tend to bring out expression of dismay and condemnation from those who misunderstand its natural function as the exuberant word play of a group often used to achieve some kind of group identity. However, now days slang is not only used by particular group but also all society in their daily
9
http://www.wikepidia.org/wiki/slang
10 Edward Finegan & John R. Rickford, Language in the USA, (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 2004), p. 376
11
George Yule, The Study of language, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006), p. 55
12
conversation. Since slang is used by every class, and as this fact is now can everywhere recognized.
B. The Meaning of Slang Language
After reading some materials, the writer knows there are some general descriptions and theories about slang. As the writer describes above about definition of slang in general, then the writer will try to describe about theories of slang proposed by linguists, as the follows.
Slang appears from the first time in sixteenth century, only certain people who understand it and commonly they come from under world or lowest grade in social class of society. Edward Sapir said that:
Slang a language consisting of either new words or phrases and it’s below the standard of the cultivated speech, or it might be said that slang is ordinary words or phrases in arbitrary sense and having a conventional but vulgar or inelegant use, because slang is the special vocabulary of thieves, vagabonds, etc.13
After decade has changed, slang language has developed also. In history of slang it can be seen that slang changes rapidly and keeps on developing in every decade. So, slang is not only used by criminals or vagabonds but also becomes popular in society, as Pei and Gaynor said that:
13
Slang is a style of language in faintly common use, produced by popular adaptation and extension of the meaning of existing words and by coining new words with disregard for scholastic standards and linguistics principles of the formation of words; generally peculiar to certain classes and social or age groups.14
Slang is not used in formal conversation. It is usually used in informal situation when there is no rule to say something, and used by the same age, mostly young person who wants something new. As Wills said that:
Slang is the result of linguistic inventiveness, especially of young and lively persons who want fresh, original pungent, or racy terms with which they can rename ideas, actions, and objects that they feel strongly about. It can be said that slang is the result of a combination of linguistic irreverence and a reaction against staid, stuffy, pompous, pretentious, or colorless diction. In other hand, slang used to reduce the formality of a conversation.15
Slang is like fashion or lifestyle, it changes anytime rapidly depending on decade. Slang may used by everyone who want something new in words or speech. Some people may say that slang is the vulgar language, but the fact is most of society use slang in the daily life even slang language still develops. However, slang appears for some humour like a street jokes, gaiety, etc. According to John Camden Hotten
Slang represents that evanescent, vulgar language, ever changing with fashion and taste, spoken by persons in every grade of life, doesn’t matter rich or poor, honest and dishonest. He also said that slang in indulged in form a desire to appear familiar wit life, gaiety, town-humour and with the transient nick names and street jokes of the day. Slang is the language of street humor,
14
Chaedar Alwasilah, Sosiologi Bahasa, ( Angkasa: Bandung, 1985), p. 57
15
of fast, high and low life, and it is become as old as speech and the congregating together of people in cities.16
Based on those definitions above the writer knows that every linguist has his own theory about slang. But, the writer can conclude that slang appears because young and attractive person wants something fresh, new, and original words to share their ideas, emotion, and desire. Slang offers synonym, often figurative language which has no real meaning. It is a non standard vocabulary that carries connotations and overtones of irreverence, cynicism, and humor. As G.K. Chesterton said that “All slang is metaphor, and all metaphor is poetry.” 17
C. History of Slang Language
To know about slang language, the writer searches some materials or references that relate to slang language. After reading some books and browsing the internet, the writer has assumption that slang appears for the first time because of war and some people want another language beside the Standard English to make it easier and simpler to convey ideas or desire. Since the existence of slang language, it makes people have the new way to use the language, especially in English language. Some of them are using it to shorten the words, so that it will be easier to speak it. Some others use it to keep the secret and make some jokes or humors.
16
Jonathan Green, Cassel’s Dictionary of Slang, ( London: Cassel & Co, 1998), p. v
17
In this second chapter, the writer would like to propose the history of slang language based on decades and characteristics. After reading some references about the chronicle of slang, the writer knows that the history of slang is divided into five decades, which can be seen in the era. It starts from sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twenty century. Each decade has different characteristic from other. From the book, Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, by: J. E. Lighter.18 Here are some further explanations about history of slang language.
Table.1
History of Slang Language
No Decades Characteristics
1. Sixteenth Century Slang for the first time appears in the society and become the foreign, also only particular group using it. For example, thieves, beggar, criminals, etc.
2. Seventeenth Century In this century, slang rich of metaphors or figurative language and related to immoral action. Moreover, slang begin to presented in popular plays event and the put the slang language in stage for the first time, such as; in Richard Brome’s comedy A Fovial Crew and in one of William Shakespeare’s poem in the word hick.
3. Eighteenth Century The rhetoricians had established for the first time, among the pupils and
schoolmasters alike, a key element in social conceptualization of slang. Furthermore, for the first time slang as a part of the recognized English vocabulary.
18
4. Nineteenth Century Slang is more growth, it’s can be seen that the intellectual produce the first Slang dictionary (1899). The World War I & II also has influence in slang language, such as G.I, Pissed off, brass, etc.
5 Twentieth Century Slang become a part of spoken language and not only used by thieves or criminals but also ordinary people, and slang is used in daily conversation because simpler and easier to speak it.
(J. E. Lighter: xxi-xxix)
D. Kinds of Slang Language
After reading the Book “Slang, Today and Yesterday” by Eric Partridge19, the writer finds some types of slang language. Some of slang types are:
1. Cockney Slang
Cockney slang becomes the brightest one in England, because it has a very pronounced accent.
There are two kinds of Cockney slang, first is the Cockney slang spoken by educated middle-class people and it’s origin from regional. The second is the Cockney slang used by the semi literate and quite illiterate people, recognized as Cockney London of the street, and also English spoken by Londoners.
Below are some of the example of Cockney slang that is commonly used in their daily speaking by the middle class and educated people.
a. You’ll get yourself dislike
19
Means a remonstrance to a person behaving very badly. b. See the breeze and taste the sun
It means an expression of summer enjoyment to escape from London to common. Below are some examples of Cockney slang that is commonly used in daily speaking by semi literate and quit illiterate people.
‘Sky a copper’ means to make a disturbance; ‘Up the pole’ means Drunk and ‘Old gal’ means general term of affection describing a wife.
2. Public House Slang
This type is considered to a genial, cheery, and materialistic, but it is not gross or cynical. Public house slang words and phrases also make up for the smallness of the recorded vocabulary by the nature of the subject, so that people can’t neglect to use this slang.
Here are the examples of Public house slang:
a. Early purl Means a drink made of hot beer and gin, so named because taken early in cold morning.
b. Straight drinking means Drinking while standing in the bar. c. Favorite vice means Strong drink taken habitually.
d. Shed a tear means to make water.
3. Workmen’s Slang
name of something but they call it with another name that already use and understood among them. They use many of synonyms to communicate each other.
Most of the users of workmen’s slang are laborers, neither town or farm laborers. Furthermore, town and farm laborers have the differences. The town labors are more ready with their tongues and fluent with their slang than the farm labors which is not too modern instance, ancient saw, and weather-lore.
Below are some examples of Workmen’s slang:
Brass means Money. It seems a general word originated in the cooper and iron industries.
a. Screwed up means without money, therefore unable to move about at will. b. Want an apron means to be out of work.
c. Sling one’s hook means to be dismissed.
4. Tradesmen’s Slang
In Tradesmen’s slang as in Workmen’s slang, some of the words are related to origin slang and the users are the worker too. But, in tradesmen’s slang consider four as typical: tailors, butchers, chemists, and builders.
Here are some examples of Tradesmen’s slang: a. Operation means a patch, especially on the trousers-seat. b. Curly means Troublesome.
5. The Slang of Commerce
This term refers to slang used in trade and the words are closely related to the trade or commerce. This slang is usually used when a member of committee has unable to meet his engagement, a notice is written out and handed by a porter, who ascends a rostrum and the porter call a member to pay attention and read the notice.
Basically, this is often used by business men in transaction, mostly used in stock exchange. Then, appears some slang words in business term, such as the bulls and bears (operators who buy in expectation of rise and operators who sell in expectation of fall respectively), bucket-shop (an unauthorized business for speculating in stocks).
Other examples of this term are:
a. Take the rate means to borrow the stock; like wise give the rate is to lend stock. b. Go on the dole means to receive unemployment benefit.
c. To axe means to cut down expenses, sometimes by dismissing employees, in the effort of economize.
6. Slang in Public School and University
There are some examples of public school slang
a. Bonse means head, for example “Look out, or I’ll fetch you a whack across the bonse”
b. Bung means a lie, example “Everything he said is a bung” c. What’s the mat? Means what is the matter?
Slang language in university might be different from public school slang. When boys leave school and go to university, they tend to drop the old school slang and to mould themselves to the slang of the university. Growing boys and high-spirited young fellows detest restraint of all kinds and prefer making a dash at life in slang phraseology of their own to all the set forms and syntactical rules of alma mater. Many of the most expressive words in common free-and-easy conversation are old university vulgarism, such as crib (a house or apartment), dead-man (empty wine bottle), fizzing (splendid or first-rate). Among those words that fast society has borrowed from great scholastic.
The examples of slang words or phrases that are commonly used in university are:
a. Bug-shooter means a volunteer, a member of what is now called a Cadet Corps b. Damn means damage.
7. Society Slang
Linguistically, society is actually natural for development of language. For although a good education constitutes neither a passport to good society nor a guarantee of genuine cultures it goes some distance in both directions.
The centre of universe is society. Now society is ever in search of novelty and it is a limited body of well-to-do women and men leisure. For these persons, there arises a kind of special vocabulary, which is constantly changing with changing fashions. There is much slang in the colloquial speech of society, most of the words soon disappear but a considerable number of them make good their place in ordinary speech. Generally, slang is concerned with the spirit of the universe, the world and life. Moreover, slang in society shows a joyously or jauntily over the object and the practices of the slangster’s calling.
In society and in all close cooperation, section of society slang really thrives only where this exclusiveness is tonic, not constrictive and among the Army, public school and university, the users are very numerous. Since the war, society has become less walled-in, less snobbish, less clannish, so the speech is being fertilized more and more with technical terms and more importantly, with colloquial and slangy terms from the world of commerce and manual work, such as journalism, art, etc. In short, from life it is lived, not life as it is permitted by a comfortable income, not life in which attention need to be paid only to one’s social equals.
Below are some examples of the society slang
b. Turn down One’s cup means to die. c. Up-to-death means modernity. d. Vogue means fashion.
8. Slang in Art
Slang in art is still related to society. Words or phrases of slang in art are quickly adopted by society, although there are only a few words known as artistic slang. Slang in art appears in seventeenth century when slang was brought in the stage for the first time in Richard Brome’s comedy A Fovial Crew and Shakespeare also uses slang language in his art. However slang words in art are more difficult than the other slang words. The meaning is hard to be guessed even in the present day. Below are some examples of slang in art
a. Sculpt means to work in sculpture. b. Put the value on means to sign a picture. c. Frame means a picture
9. Slang in Theatre
society, which the prominent actors and actresses now mingle if not, at least on an independent.
In the nineteenth century, the theatre began to exercise a powerful influence on ordinary and informal spoken English, as Hotten said that “stage of course has a slang, both before behind the curtain, as a journalist remark”. In theatre slang there are some familiar terms, such as actor by professional is called a pro. The man who is occasionally hired at trifling remuneration to come upon the stage as one of a crowd, or when a number of actors are wanted to give effect, is named a supe. The band or orchestra is generally spoken of as the menagerie. A ben is a benefit and sal is for salary.
Other examples of slang in theatre are
a. Paper house means a theatre that at a given performance has an audience consisting mainly of those who have come with “paper” complimentary ticket. b. Acting lady means an incapable actress. From the poor acting of the great majority
of society women and girls that go on stage.
c. Chair-warmer means a good-looking actress doing little on the stage except to be there.
10. Slang in Church
vulgarism have gradually crept into the very pulpits which should give forth as pure speech as doctrine.
Here is the examples of this type
a. Workus means a Church of England pleasantry at the expense of the Methodist chapels, usually very plain, often whitewashed. In short, one is forced to notice that slang of the cloth is neither very witty nor very tolerant.
b. Holly Joe means shallow, circular crowned that worn by clergymen, and the clergymen who use the word.
Based on the types of slang, the writer wants to limit the discussion only on public house, slang of commerce, public school and university, art slang, and society slang. These five types of slang will be discussed in the research finding in chapter four. Below, the writer tries to conclude the kind of slang that will discussion later.
a. Public house slang, the slang that show the cheerful, because they are used in the public of society (such as pub/ bar, restaurant, etc) and they have no cynical meaning. So that if someone uses this slang term will be nobody get angry.
b. Workmen’s slang is almost the same with tradesmen’s slang, those slang that related to trade or consider to people’s activity in working. It used in some business transaction on various exchange between the men.
simple and familiar words to express their idea or feeling in their daily communication.
E. Reasons of Using Slang
Slang is used easily in daily communication from the last five decades until present day and most of users are young people and lowest grade of society such as gang-banger, thieves, gambler, etc. Hotten said “slang is the lowest word only which are used by the dangerous classes and the lowest grade of society.”20 But it can not be denied that today sometimes these foreign words popular and become part of Standard English.
However, there are many reasons why people use slang in their informal conversation. But the main reason is because most people are individuals who desire uniqueness. For some groups who have a lack of political power, they think that slang is simply a safe and effective way to rebel against the establishment. However, slang appears in the present and exists even in complacent times. It is created by individuals and perpetuated based upon its usefulness and applicability. According Columbia Encyclopedia slang is often well developed in the speaking vocabularies of cultured, sophisticated, linguistically rich languages. Whereas slang was once considered as the lowest form of communication, many now consider slang as an intelligent and insightful variation to the blandness of the standard language.
20
According to the British lexicographer, Eric Partridge (1894-1979), people use slang for any of at least 15 reasons:
1. In sheer high spirits, by the young in heart as well as by the young in years; 'just for the fun of the thing'; in playfulness or waggishness.
2. As an exercise either in wit and ingenuity or in humour. (The motive behind this is usually self-display or snobbishness, emulation or responsiveness, delight in virtuosity).
3. To be 'different', to be novel.
4. To be picturesque (either positively or - as in the wish to avoid insipidity - negatively).
5. To be unmistakably arresting, even startling.
6. To escape from clichés, or to be brief and concise. (Actuated by impatience with existing terms.)
7. To enrich the language. (This deliberateness is rare save among the well-educated, Cockneys forming the most notable exception; it is literary rather than spontaneous.)
8. To lend an air of solidity, concreteness, to the abstract; of earthiness to the idealistic; of immediacy and appositeness to the remote. (In the cultured the effort is usually premeditated, while in the uncultured it is almost always unconscious when it is not rather subconscious.)
9. a. To lesson the sting of, or on the other hand to give additional point to, a treachery, ingratitude); and/or thus to enable the speaker or his auditor or both to endure, to 'carry on'.
10. To speak or write down to an inferior, or to amuse a superior public; or merely to be on a colloquial level with either one's audience or one's subject matter.
11. For ease of social intercourse. (Not to be confused or merged with the preceding.)
12. To induce either friendliness or intimacy of a deep or a durable kind. (Same remark.)
15. To be secret - not understood by those around one. (Children, students, lovers, members of political secret societies, and criminals in or out of prison, innocent persons in prison, are the chief exponents.)21
However, condemns of slang, believing that it undermines the standard language and reflects poorly upon its users. Even some linguists said that slang is the grunt of human hog and the special vocabulary used by any set of persons of a low or disreputable character; language of a low and vulgar type. But, whatever the reasons, slang here to stay, and its longevity demands attention and explication.
21
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH FINDING
A. Description of the Data
In this chapter, the writer will discuss the description of the data which is about the slang used in the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie. Then, the writer tries to tabulate the collected data through the following
a. The examples of utilized slang
b. The meaning of slang language used in movie mentioned
c. The types of slang language used in Malibu’s Most Wanted movie d. The reason of using slang language in the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie
Table. 2
To show that one belongs to a social class
Workmen’s Slang To enrich the language To show that one belongs to a certain trade or
Society Slang To sheer in high spirit, by the young speaker “just for fun of the thing”; in playfulness.
9. around one (criminals, member of secret belongs to a social class
The next discussion is about the analysis of the data
From the tabulated data above, then the writer tries to classify and analyze them by using the perspectives of the types, the setting, the meaning and the reasons why slang words or phrases are used in the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie. To make the analysis in focus, the writer limits to discuss three types of slang language that are used in this movie. They are public house slang, workmen’s slang, and society slang. So, the analyses are as follows:
1. Public House Slang
As the writer has proposed the definition of public house slang in the chapter II, which is the public house slang, is considered as a genial, cheery, and materialistic, but it is not gross or cynical. People can’t neglect using this slang because it is the public house group of word and phrases make up for the smallness of the recorded vocabulary by the nature of the subject. And the slang terms of publicity are the catchy phrase and rhymes that we often use them in conversation with an easy allusiveness that baffles the foreigner.
After the writer searches the meaning of the words slang in Dictionary of slang and the meaning on the movie itself, then the writer categorizes the words chill, or in shortened version homey, dude, and buddy22 which chill means to calm down23,
22
http://www.dailyscript.com/script/malibumostwanted.pdf
23
homies means friends24, dude means a male person25, and buddy means a friend26 as the public house slang because of their suitability with the meaning and the characteristic of the public house slang. Those slang words are usually used as expression of the genial and cheery feeling of the speakers and they are also catchy to be heard. Besides, those words also used in the conversation, especially in informal occasion among the teenagers which is most of them use it in public house. So, the writer concludes that the words like chill, homey, dude and guy belong to public house slang.
As Willis said in Sosiologi bahasa by Chaedar Alwasilah (1986) that for the most part, slang is the result of linguistic inventiveness, especially of young and lively persons who want fresh, original pungent, or racy terms with which they can rename ideas, actions, and objects that they feel strongly about. In effect slang is the result of a combination of linguistic irreverence and a reaction against staid, stuffy, pompous, pretentious, or colorless action.27 It can be seen that the theory said slang is the result of linguistic inventiveness, especially of young and lively persons who want fresh, based on that theory the writer has an opinion that the words chill, homey, dude and guy are also the result of the linguistic inventiveness, especially for young persons. As the addition, the writer also gives the example of the sentence that uses one of the slang words above which is taken from Malibu’s Most Wanted movie script, written by Fax Bahr & Adam Small28:
24
David Burke, Street Talk 2: Slang Used in Popular American TV Shows, (Barkeley: Optima Books, 1998), p. 71
25
Eric Partridge, et. al, Shorter Slang Dictionary, (London: Routledge), p. 68
26
Ibid., p. 45
27
Chaedar Alwasilah, Sosiologi Bahasa, ( Angkasa: Bandung, 1985), p. 57
28
a. The Utilized Slang Words or Phrases
DATA 1: Chill
Setting and Meaning:
In the front of the Bill Gluckman’s house, there a small crowd and the presses are gathered around Bill Gluckman who is doing his campaign for Governor Election, with his wife Bess, and daughter Brenda. Suddenly, the Escalade comes into the driveway, the door open and Mocha steps out.
MOCHA (a.k.a Chadwick Van Pelt): Yo yo yoooo! Listen up, y'all!! MONSTER (a.k.a Miriam Shaidelbaum): Y'all better chill…
Next out is HADJI (a.k.a Yusef Amiraslani) a skinny Persian kid with cornrows
Hadji: …’cuz B-Rad G about to get ill!!
From the statement above, Monster (Miriam shaidelbaum) said chill which means to relax, to calm someone’s feeling. She said that when there is a crowded and to get the attention from everybody because Brad wants to show something. The writer categorizes the word chill into Public House Slang because it is related to the characteristic of Public House slang that is genial, cheery, but not gross nor cynical.
DATA 2: Buddy
Setting and Meaning:
In another scene is in the parking lot, Tom (leader of Gluckman’s campaign team) speaking with Sean and PJ dress as their actual, preppy selves.
SEAN(incredulous): Hold the phone, buddy... you want us to scare this kid starts acting like a nice little white boy again?
In the parking lot, when Tom wants to meet two actors Sean and PJ (both are black people) to talk about the plan for kidnapping Brad. From the conversation, when Sean talks to Tom, he uses word buddy which means friend. Basically, the word buddy is used in order to more chummy, and then their business will be fluent. The word buddy is included into Public House Slang, because buddy is commonly used, catchy to be heard, not gross nor cynical.
DATA 3: Dude
Setting and Meaning:
In the parking lot, Sean and PJ doing business with Tom, and they finally deal with that.
PJ: Congrats my brother. We just booked another gig.
SEAN: Yeah, but it’s totally dangerous, dude. You know what it’s like in the ‘hood. We could get shot!
PJ: We can handle ourselves. Come on, man, it’s the ultimate acting challenge.
From the conversation above, Sean uses word dude when he talks to his friend PJ. According to writer the word dude means a man or a male person is included into Public House Slang because dude is commonly used in daily speaking, especially among the black people, and also it is the expression of cheery. The word dude is known among the public, it is used to call somebody (a man), when the speaker does not call the name, in other word to replace name. This can be used to refer to any person whether they are known by the speaker or not. Dude becomes popular among the white people also, especially teenagers who always wants something new.
Setting and Meaning:
In the front of Shondra’s house, suddenly Tec (gangbanger’s leader) jumps, yanks Brad’s door car and shove a nine in his side.
SEAN: Oh my God.
TEC: Get out of the car, white boy
BRAD: Oh you dat weak fuck from de club. (Tec can't believe what he's hearing)
BRAD: (not impressed) got somethin’ for me?
TEC: (pulling a Tec 9) Just this cap, fool! You ready to die?
BRAD: Ain’t that a coinky-dink? I was just talkin’ to my homies about just dat..
Tec: Move!!
In the front of Shondra’s house, when Brad will leave the house by car and suddenly Tec (gangbanger) with his gang jump on his Brad’s door car. Brad and Tec argue each other, but Tec wins and he tries to pull Brad from his car. From the dialogue, Brad said word “my homies” which is the plural term from homey means friend. According to the writer’s opinion, the word homies includes into Public House Slang because it has the characteristic of this type, which is used in informal occasion in the public, the expression of the genial and cheery feeling, and also the linguistic inventiveness, especially for young people.
b. The Reasons of Using Public House Slang in Malibu’s Most Wanted Movie
According to the writer’s analysis that refers to fifteen reasons written by Eric Partridge, the reasons of using public house slang in words chill, buddy, dude and homies in Malibu’s Most Wanted are:
a. To sheer high spirit
c. To show that one belongs to a social class d. For ease of social intercourse
2. Workmen’s Slang
As the writer had proposed before that workmen’s slang is related to people’s activity in working. The characteristic of the users is that they don’t mention the real name of something but they call it with another name that has already been understood among them. In other word, workmen’s slang is always connecting with material things. Then, the writer categorizes the slang used in the movie, such as dough up and grand29, which dough up means money30 and a grand means a thousand ($ 1000)31 are workmen’s slang. In the writer’s opinion these words are workmen’s slang, it can be seen from the meaning of that words and the suitability between the characteristic of the workmen’s slang and the slang crib, dough and also grand. Another reason is the writer also finds the example of the workmen’s slang which is has the same meaning with slang word in the movie, like brass means money has the same meaning with dough.
The word dough and grand are very general and the meaning of the words is understood, even they are not trader. Since of that, the writer concludes that words
29
http://www.dailyscript.com/script/malibumostwanted.pdf
30
Robert L Chapmen and Ann Kipta, Barbara, Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, (New York: Harper Collin Publisher), p. 151
31
belong to the workmen’s slang. Below is the example of the conversation from the movie or taken from the Malibu’s Most Wanted movie32:
a. The Utilized Slang Words or Phrases
DATA 5: Dough up
Setting and Meaning:
The scene is in the Bill Gluckman’s governor campaign. Suddenly, escalade rolls, door’s open and a gleaming white pair of four hundred dollar, untied Nike sneaks as they step to the pavement; we CRANE UP, PAST Nike sweats, to BRAD GLUCKMAN, wearing a do rag under his Nike baseball cap.
BRAD: Yo! What's up all you media people?! This is B-Rad G, kickin' it real from the 'bu, represizzin'!!!
Brad (starts rapping): Take out your purse and cough some dough up… My chickens get wit you, if you vote right.. And don't worry y'all, cuz my girls is tight.. Immigration, education, runaway inflation. California ain't flowin' like old constipation.. Vote Bill G on your election ballot..
If you don't I'm gonna hit you wit a mallot! Get Glucked y'all!
The setting is in the Bill Gluckman’s campaign, to show the support for his father Brad doing with his way, which is by rap. Brad thinks that his father will like it. From the statement above, Brad said dough up and according to Dictionary of American Slang: 3rd edition, it means money which is related to campaign occasion. From the example above, the writer has assumed that the word dough up includes into workmen’s slang because it is has the characteristic of this type which is related
32
to materialistic, it is not mentioned in the real name but another name that is already understood among the speakers.
DATA 6: Grand
Setting and Meaning:
In another scene is in the parking lot, Tom (leader of Gluckman’s campaign team) speaking with Sean and PJ dress as their actual, preppy selves.
SEAN(incredulous): Hold the phone, buddy... you want us to scare this kid starts acting like a nice little white boy again?
TOM: Yes..and pays fifteen grand a piece. I ‘ll call you PJ: Congrats my brother. We just booked another gig.
On the writer’s analyzes from the conversation above, the word grand means a thousand ($1000) includes into workmen’s slang because it is related to people’s activity in business or trade, which is always connected with money or materialistic. It can be seen from the dialogue when Tom said or replace a thousand with word grand, when he said fifteen grand it means fifteen thousand dollar. That is also another characteristic of workmen’s slang, which is always not mention the real name but it is popular among the trader.
b. The Reasons of Using Workmen’s Slang in Malibu’s Most Wanted Movie
The reasons of using workmen’s slang in words dough up and grand which is include into workmen’s slang are:
a. To enrich the language
3. Society Slang
As the writer explained previously in the chapter II, that society slang shows a joyously, or jauntily over the object and the practices of the slangter’s calling. There arises a kind of special vocabulary, which is constantly changing with changing fashion. From the statement the writer takes conclusion that society slang is such common words that comes from society even has rude meaning, but it is commonly used in the daily conversation with special vocabulary that easy to change based on the era and trend.
Then the writer categorizes the utilized slang words such as wassup, dammit, gonna, gats, ho’, gangbanger, punk, smoke, bullshit, ain’t, and chickenhead33 which wassup means a general greeting or a way to say hello34, dammit means to show an anger35, gats means guns36, ho’ means (whore) a prostitute37, gangbanger means a
Robert L Chapmen and Ann Kipta, Barbara, Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, (New York: Harper Collin Publisher), p. 279
38
Ibid., p. 208
39
Eric Partridge, Shorter Slang Dictionary, (London: Routledge), p. 143
40 Ibid., p. 210 41
J. E. Lighter, Random Historical Dictionary of American Slang, (New York: Random House, 1994), p. 305
42
stupid person43. Next are the further explanations and the examples of the slang words used in some sentences. Besides, the writer searches the meaning of slang words in dictionary of slang that related to slang words that used by the characters in the movie. Below, the examples of conversation taken from Malibu’s Most Wanted movie script that uses slang language in their dialogue44:
a. The Utilized Slang Words or phrases
DATA 7: Wassup
Setting and Meaning:
PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE – Plush. Brad sits unhappily on an overstuffed couchopposite DR. FELDMAN. Bess and Bill sit off to the side.
DR. FELDMAN: So... Bradley... BRAD: Why you keep callin' me dat?
DR. FELDMAN: Well that's your name, isn't it?
BRAD: It's my slave name, a'ight? I told you like fi'ty times. DR. FELDMAN (sighs):Yes, okay... B-Rad...
BRAD: Wassup?
In the psychiatrist’s office, when Brad and his parent finally meet Dr. Feldman to discuss what happens to Brad, why he acts like black people though he is the white. According to http://www.slangsite.com/slang/language the word wassup means “a general greeting/ a way to say hello”. Then, the writer analyze that the word wassup included into Society Slang, because it is commonly used in the society, but it come from school as source in linguistic inventiveness, such a s a slang language, so
43
Robert L Chapmen and Ann Kipta, Barbara, Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, (New York: Harper Collin Publisher), p. 89
44
most of the users are teenagers. However, the word wassup is from phrase what is up but shortened become wassup, to make easier to speak it. As the writer explains before, the school is the place where the society formed by young person who always need something new.
DATA 8: Dammit
Setting and Meaning:
In the Tec’s house, Shondra comes to meet Brad and tell him that all the gangbangers are real. Brad not believes it, because he has been cheated, so he can not trust anyone.
SHONDRA: Dammit, Brad, this is real. Tec and his crew are real -- BRAD: Oh really? Well if Tec is real then this gat must be real...Brad pulls his nine.
BRAD: And if this gat is real then the caps in it have got to be real. And seein' how my foot is real, then this would really hurt...
Brad aims at his foot and pulls the trigger and BLAM! He puts a BULLET through the toes of his sneaks.
BRAD: See dat. I just shot myself in the foot and... (feeling pain)
It's reaaaaalll! It's totally reaaaaalll!!!
does not believe her; it can be seen that dammit is to be understood among the speakers because it common used in daily speaking.
DATA 9: Pops
Setting and Meaning:
The set is in the Bill Gluckmen’s campaign in front of woman. Bill tries to touch women’s heart. Then, the banner unfurls behind Bill. It is spray-painted graffiti-style, and reads: "BILL GLUCKMAN'S DOWN WITH THE BITCHES AND HO'S!" IN WINGS
Brad looks on proudly; Tom closes his eyes, a migraine kicking in.
An angry mob of women chase the limo as it backs down the driveway full speed.
BILL (stunned, hollow): Bill Gluckman's down with the bitches and ho's'?
TOM: It was supposed to read, 'Women are first with Gluckman.' BRAD: That's old school. Pops, you got to keep your pimp hand strong.
In the conversation above, it can be seen that Brad calls his father with word pops. According the website, http://www.slangsite.com/slang/language, the utilized word which is pops means “someone’s father” or another word to call papa. Usually it is used to induce intimacy between father and son. Even, it is usually used by black people, but it becomes popular among the American teenagers. After analyzing, the writer categorizes the word pops into Society Slang because this word is common used in society. However, pops is usually used among the teenage and street gang to call their father.
Setting and Meaning:
WIDE SHOT - HUGE BANNER
unfurls behind Bill. It is spray-painted graffiti-style, and reads: "BILL GLUCKMAN'S DOWN WITH THE BITCHES AND HO'S!" IN WINGS
Brad looks on proudly; Tom closes his eyes, a migraine kicking in. 5 INT. LIMO - DAY 5
An angry mob of women chase the limo as it backs down the driveway full speed.
BILL (stunned, hollow): Bill Gluckman's down with the bitches and ho's'? TOM: It was supposed to read, 'Women are first with Gluckman.'
BRAD: That's old school. Pops, you got to keep your pimp hand strong.
It happens when Bill Gluckman doing campaign in front of women. He promises that women will get better life with Mr. Gluckman if he becomes a governor. Then he shows the banner as the slogan for his campaign. When banner was opened, everybody was shocked because there was a word bitches which means unpleasant woman. After analyzing it, the writer categorizes the word bitches into Society Slang because this word has characteristics such as has a rude meaning and it is a special vocabulary that usually used in daily conversation, especially to call people when she acts inappropriately in a social setting.
DATA 11: Gats
Setting and Meaning:
EXPLODES and Hadji's dad's MERCEDES CRASHES through. TEC: Don't anybody know where the driveway's at?! Damn!
Gangsters fall back as Hadji, Mocha, and Monster jump out wearing the Kevlar vests and wielding their weapons.
HADJI (freaking out): Better step, y'all, or I'ma have to waste all y'all up in this piece!
MONSTER: Yeah! Drop yo gats!
The I-9s, unafraid, point their guns right back at Hadji, Monster and Mocha. It's a multi-player Mexican standoff. DEUCE AND 8-BALL: Drop your gats!
From the statement above, the setting is in the Tec’s (a gangbanger) house when Brad’s friends come to save him from the kidnapping. Brad’s friends bring some weapons, but they meet gangbangers and point the weapon each other. However, they are changing the word weapons into gats. According to website in http://www.slangsite.com/slang/language, the word gat has meaning “a gun or
weapon” and in writer’s analyzes the word gun is included into Society Slang because it is used by society, especially in black community. Furthermore, the word gat becomes popular in the all the social class.
DATA 12: Ho’
Setting and Meaning:
In the Shondra’s house, when Brad finally knows that the kidnapping is not real. Everything is being planed by Tom and the crew.
BRAD: You feelin' froggy, den leap! Sean backs down. BRAD: Anyone else wanna step?
SHONDRA (slightly attracted): What the hell got into you? BRAD: Shut up, ho’.
SHONDRA: Who you callin' ho’, ho’?
BRAD: Yo, ho’, the same ho that gave up that weak-ass kiss five minutes ago in the bedroom.
The conversation happens in the Shondra’s (black people) house, when Brad realizes that all the kidnapping is not real. Brad feels so mad, then he leaves Shondra’s house. Besides, Brad said the word ho’ to Shondra and it is makes her so mad. According to the Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, the word ho’ exactly from the word whore but shortened become ho’ means a prostitute- especially for black people. After analyzing it, the writer has an opinion that the word ho’ includes into Society Slang because this word appears in society and it is rude meaning, also it is commonly used in the daily conversation, especially among criminals, gangbangers, etc.
DATA 13: Gangbanger
Setting and Meaning:
THE PROUD CHICKEN - NIGHT Brad enters and takes in the club. Think 8 Mile. Hardcore GANGSTER TYPES and some tough HOME GIRLS check out rapper, DROP, whose ferocious, gravel-voiced raps show you exactly what kind of place you're in.
SAME SCENE - MEANWHILE
Sean and PJ leave Brad and fight through to the DJ table, where the MC is standing, timing Young Dre. Brad looks around, then up. He sees Shondra and starts for the stairs.
ON THE BALCONY
TEC (O.S.): Hey, girl. Where you been?
(She turns and faces TEC, her ex-boyfriend, a no-nonsense roughneck gangbanger. He's very soft-spoken, almost expressionless)
From the statement above, it can be seen that the setting is in the night club named The Proud Chicken where all the rapper gathering to perform on the stage and the gangbangers get the party. However, Brad, Sean and PJ entering the club to know how good Brad’s rap is, PJ and Sean bet for Brad to perform on the stage where all the audience is black, beside he is white. There is a gangbanger named Tec, shondra’s ex-boyfriend. From the script above, according to Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, the word gangbanger means member of a violent street gang. That word
includes into Society Slang because this word appears in the black community, and then becomes popular in every class on the society, neither black nor white people.
DATA 14: Punk
Setting and Meaning:
SEAN AND PJ'S APARTMENT – NIGHT. Sean sits on a second-hand couch in their barren, lowrent apartment, concentrating on reading an Ebonics dictionary. PJ enters from outside, sweating and carrying a heavy box marked: "JOHN'S PROP HOUSE." He wears a stylish Nike baseball cap. Sean and PJ stand side by side in front of a full-length mirror, practicing making angry faces and pulling guns from their pants, as we...
SEAN (his face is filled with rage): Gimme your ride, punk, or I will dust yo ass!
PJ: Nope, you're not convincing me. Remember your core character. You're an oppressed black man from the ghetto.
SEAN: Yeah, I know, I'm having trouble finding this one. Lemme try it again. Gimme your ride, punk, or I will dust yo ass!
PJ: Add a “beeyotch” and I think you there..
gangbanger, in the dialogue he said the word punk, and according to Dictionary of American Slang 3rd Edition, the word punk means “young criminal”. After analyzing
it, the writer concludes the word punk into Society Slang because this is common word that come from society, develops into daily conversation even has a rude meaning.
DATA 15: Smoke
Setting and Meaning:
At that night, they leaving the club after Brad failed on his wacky rap.
PJ: Uhn uhn, ain't happening. By the way, forgot to tell you. We heard from your pops, and guess what? He ain't payin'.
SEAN: He thinks y'all belong down here in the 'hood with us brothas, seein' how you so 'down' and all.
PJ: So, I guess that means we got to ice your punk ass.
BRAD: I don't care no more. I got nothin' to live for. Go ahead and smoke me.
Brad gets in the car. Sean and PJ look at each other -- this isn't what they expected.
Brad is kicking out from the club. He feels so sad, because he fails to rap in the Proud Chicken Club. He feels so disappointed, because his rap is wack and he does not understand how to be a good rapper. Then, PJ and Sean mock Brad, they said that Brad looks belong down in the ‘hood and enjoy the lifestyle being “black”. Brad does not care, he gives up, then he say the word smoke. According to Shorter Slang Dictionary, the word smoke means to kill or murder. It is usually used by the
conversation, especially among the teenagers or street gang to convey something simpler and easier.
DATA 16: Bullshit
Setting and Meaning:
It takes scene in the Tec’s house, the suburban area. When the gangbangers are in party, suddenly Bill Gluckmen crushed his car into Tec’s home to find Brad (his son) and feel sorry with what his done to Brad.
BILL: It was stupid, I know. I thought I'd tried everything... I just didn't know how to deal with you anymore.
BRAD: You've never known how to deal with me 'cause you don't know me, and you never cared to find out. And now that your election's on the line, that's when you take a stand? That's bullshit, Pops. Look at me, 'cause this is who I am, and if you can't accept that, then I'll walk out that door, never see your sorry-ass again.
Bill Gluckman finally found Brad in the Tec’s house. Bill feels so sorry for not listening and pays attention on Brad’s life. Brad feels so disappointed to his father, because he thinks that his father never understand and never care to find out what is going on with Brad. From the conversation above, Brad says something which is not polite to his father; he said bullshit to his father to show that he is angry. According to Random Historical Dictionary of American Slang, the word bullshit has meaning lies or nonsense. The writer has categorized bullshit into Society Slang, because it is used by society even it is usually considered vulgar, this word become popular in the society.
DATA 17: Ain’t
