1. Features and Definitions 

In an oft-quoted definition of "slang", Dumas and Lighter (1978:14–15) formulated four criteria; any expression meeting at least two of these can be identified as slang:

1.

Its presence will markedly lower, at least for the moment, the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing;

2.

Its use implies the user’s special familiarity either with the refe…