1. Social Factors:
* Popularity: Words that gain widespread use and are adopted by a broad range of speakers often transition from slang to formal language. Think of words like "cool" or "awesome" which were once considered slang but now are used widely in formal settings.
* Social Group Influence: Slang often originates within specific social groups (age groups, subcultures, professions, etc.) and spreads to other groups. This can lead to the formalization of the word as the social group's influence grows.
* Media & Pop Culture: Media and pop culture have a huge impact. If a slang term becomes associated with a popular trend, film, or celebrity, it can quickly gain wider acceptance.
* Political and Historical Events: Slang can be used to express resistance or social change, and sometimes these words can become codified into formal language. For example, "revolution" and "democracy" started as slang terms.
2. Linguistic Factors:
* Grammatical Structure: The way a word is used grammatically can impact its formality. Words that can function as multiple parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective) may be more easily adopted into formal language.
* Clarity and Precision: Words that are precise and clear in meaning are more likely to be adopted into formal contexts, especially in areas like science or law.
* Semantic Change: The meaning of a word can shift over time. A word that was originally slang might develop a more nuanced meaning, making it suitable for formal use.
3. Prestige and Perception:
* Acceptance by Language Authorities: Dictionaries and grammar guides play a role in formalizing words. Once a word appears in a reputable dictionary, it's considered more legitimate and acceptable for formal use.
* Perceived Elegance: Certain words may be considered more elegant or sophisticated than others. Slang words that are perceived as being more refined may be more likely to become formalized.
4. The Power of Time:
* Slang as a Source of New Words: Slang is a constant source of new words and expressions. Some of these words will inevitably find their way into formal language over time.
* Fading of Slang: As slang terms age, they often lose their original meaning or impact and may become outdated or even obsolete.
Examples:
* Formalized Slang: "Cool," "awesome," "dude," "selfie," "hashtag"
* Slang to Formal: "Revolution," "democracy," "fanatic," "savvy"
* Obsolete Slang: "Groovy," "far out," "rad," "swell"
The process of a word moving from slang to formal language is a dynamic and ongoing process. It's a reflection of how language evolves to reflect social change and the changing ways we communicate.