Slang refers to informal, non-standard language that should be avoided in scientific writing to maintain clarity, professionalism, and precision.
What Is Slang?
Informal and Casual Language
Slang is informal language often used in everyday conversation. It includes expressions, words, or phrases that are not considered part of standard vocabulary. These terms often change over time and can be specific to certain groups, regions, or cultures. For example, phrases like “spill the tea” (meaning to share gossip) or “ghosting” (suddenly cutting off communication) are forms of slang.
Not Suitable for Academic Use
In scientific or academic writing, slang is considered inappropriate because it lacks precision, can be misunderstood by broader audiences, and often does not have a fixed or widely accepted meaning. Scholarly communication relies on clarity, objectivity, and consistency—qualities that slang does not provide.
Why Avoid Slang in Scientific Writing?
Slang Reduces Clarity
Scientific writing must be clear so that others can understand, replicate, or build on the research. Slang often introduces confusion, especially when readers are unfamiliar with the expression or interpret it differently. For example, if a researcher wrote “the data blew up,” it might be unclear whether they meant the data showed a dramatic increase, contained errors, or was lost entirely.
Slang Lacks Universality
Scientific work is shared across national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Slang tends to be regional or generational. A phrase that makes sense in one culture may be meaningless or even offensive in another. By avoiding slang, writers make their work more accessible to international audiences and readers from different disciplines.
Slang Can Sound Unprofessional
The tone of scientific writing should be formal and respectful. Using slang may make the work seem careless or untrustworthy. In fields such as psychology or criminal justice, using terms like “crazy,” “junkie,” or “snitch” can introduce bias and harm the credibility of the research. These terms also carry stigmas and may violate ethical standards.
Slang Can Introduce Bias or Inaccuracy
In research methods, accuracy is key. Slang can introduce vague or emotional language that undermines objectivity. For instance, in a political science paper, calling a policy “a dumpster fire” adds emotion but fails to provide meaningful analysis. Instead, researchers should describe what went wrong, using evidence and specific language.
Examples of Slang in Social Science Writing
Sociology
In a paper discussing teenage behavior, using a term like “clout-chasing” (seeking attention for popularity) might confuse readers. A more accurate phrase would be “seeking social validation through public visibility,” which better explains the behavior in a formal tone.
Psychology
A phrase like “she totally flipped out” is too informal and unclear. A scientific alternative would be “she exhibited signs of acute emotional distress.”
Criminal Justice
Describing a suspect as a “crook” or a “bad guy” introduces bias. Neutral language like “the accused” is more appropriate and maintains objectivity.
Anthropology
In ethnographic writing, describing a group’s traditions as “weird” or “sketchy” reflects personal judgment. Instead, researchers should describe the practice in detail and analyze it within its cultural context.
How to Replace Slang in Writing
Use Precise and Formal Language
Instead of using slang, choose words that accurately describe what you mean. For example:
- Slang: “The participants freaked out.”
Formal: “The participants reacted with noticeable anxiety.” - Slang: “This theory doesn’t hold water.”
Formal: “This theory lacks empirical support.” - Slang: “We hit a wall during the study.”
Formal: “We encountered a methodological challenge.”
Define Terms Clearly
If you must refer to a term that is commonly used as slang (such as in a quote or cultural study), define it clearly and explain its context. For example, in a study of online communities, it might be necessary to mention the term “trolling.” In that case, the writer should explain: “Trolling refers to the act of intentionally provoking others in online discussions.”
Stay Objective and Neutral
Avoid emotionally loaded terms or words that carry judgment. This is especially important in fields like education or criminology. Replace slang with language that reflects analysis and neutrality.
When Might Slang Appear in Research?
In Participant Quotes
In qualitative research, slang may appear in interviews or transcripts. In these cases, it is acceptable to include the slang term, but the researcher should not adopt it in their own narrative or analysis without clarification. The term should be clearly attributed to the speaker, and its meaning should be explained.
In Cultural or Linguistic Studies
In some fields, especially anthropology or linguistics, studying slang may be part of the research topic itself. Here, the focus is on understanding what the slang means to its users, how it functions in communication, and what it reveals about cultural identity.
Even in these cases, the analysis must use formal language, even if the data includes informal expressions.
Tools for Avoiding Slang
Style Guides
Most social science disciplines have their own style guides (APA, ASA, MLA, etc.) that provide examples of formal writing. These guides help researchers choose language that is appropriate for academic contexts.
Peer Review and Feedback
Asking colleagues or supervisors to review a draft can help identify language that may sound too informal. Reading your writing aloud can also help you hear whether the tone sounds conversational or professional.
Editing Software
Writing tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or built-in spelling and grammar checkers can highlight informal or unclear language. While these tools are not perfect, they are helpful for spotting slang and offering alternatives.
Slang and Ethical Writing
Using respectful and precise language is part of ethical research practice. In fields that involve vulnerable populations—such as mental health, education, or criminal justice—using slang can reinforce stereotypes or marginalize certain groups. By avoiding slang, researchers show respect for participants and maintain the integrity of their work.
Conclusion
Avoiding slang in scientific writing is essential for clear, professional, and ethical communication. These expressions may be fun or expressive in everyday speech, but they do not belong in research papers, journal articles, or academic reports. Researchers should always aim to use formal, precise language that promotes understanding, reduces bias, and respects the reader.
By following discipline-specific writing standards, reviewing your work carefully, and choosing your words thoughtfully, you can ensure that your research is taken seriously and understood by a broad audience.
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Last Modified: 03/27/2025