A derivation is a form of word compounding in which new word forms are taken from independent root words. An example would be the word ‘mobility’ derived from the word ‘mobile’. Unlike other word formations which can alter the meaning of the derived word, derived words have the same meaning as the original word they are derived from. There is an added affix, which changes the word form. The word mobile is originally an adjective and when the suffix is added in ‘mobility’, it becomes a noun. When it comes to slang words, there are many which are derived from proper English words and altered. One example of a derived slang word is ‘vibes’. Derived from the word ‘vibe’, it holds the same meaning and the suffix is used when speaking of the slang word if someone was to describe a setting. If someone liked a party they went to, they would say it was ‘good vibes’. The word ‘kinda’ is commonly used to replace ‘kind of’ which would be more grammatically correct. They have the same meaning, and both share the root word ‘kind’, however ‘kinda’ is just a shortened version. I think a really good example would be the term ‘geeking’. It is used in reference to when someone is obsessed with something or deeply admiring something and it stems from the word ‘geek’ which has a similar meaning. When someone is a geek, it usually refers to a nerdy person who is obsessed with something and can talk about it for a long time. The term ‘bestie’ is derived from the word ‘best’ and is short for best friend, even though it is used commonly as a joke currently in our generation. For example, it can still be used when talking to a stranger on the internet even though of course you are not actually best friends. Instead of saying best friends, the suffix -ie is added to best and it carries the same meaning. The slang term ‘sus’ is derived from ‘suspicious’ and both are used in the same way, ‘sus’ is just a short version. The slang term ‘facts’ is derived from the word ‘fact’ and the suffix -s is added at the end. The meaning is the same as it is used in response when agreeing with what someone said. It’s as if you are saying they are speaking literal facts. ‘Snatched’ is a slang term commonly used when referring to something done perfectly or as a compliment. For example, “her makeup was snatched” or if something really shocked you in a good way, you would say ‘my wig was snatched’ and this would imply that ‘snatched’ is derived from the word ‘snatch’ due to the literal meaning which is to take off quickly. In conclusion, there are thousands of slang words, some that don’t have a meaning behind their use, and we just use them because we as a generation are aware of the hidden meaning. Then there are slang words, derived from root words we grew up using, however, we say them in an easier way now. I think this is the overall purpose of slang words; to communicate easier and in a more casual manner. It is something commonly used amongst close friends, but would not be understood or accepted in a formal/professional setting.
Sources:
“Derivation.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/derivation-traditional-grammar.
“Derived Word.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Derived+Word.
“A Guide to American College Slang Words in 2021.” Higher Education for International Students in the USA, https://shorelight.com/student-stories/a-guide-to-american-college-slang-words-in-2021/.
