Slang evolves faster than most languages, making it notoriously difficult to track. What was hip yesterday might be archaic tomorrow. For decades, scholars and casual observers alike have struggled to keep up with the ever-shifting landscape of informal speech. Now, the most comprehensive record of English slang ever assembled is freely available online.
The Origins of a Monumental Project
In 1993, lexicographer Jonathon Green began a herculean task: compiling 500 years of English slang. He sifted through countless primary sources to create Green’s Dictionary of Slang (GDoS), a three-volume reference work containing over 10.3 million words across 53,000 entries. First published in 2010, the printed version quickly became outdated, and original copies now sell for over $1,300.
From Print to the People
Green didn’t let his work become an inaccessible relic. He moved the entire project online, making it available to anyone with an internet connection. The GDoS Online isn’t just a digital replica of the original; it has expanded significantly since. The website now boasts over 60,000 additional quotations, 2,500 new entries, and robust search tools. A subscription unlocks even more detailed citations and advanced search functionality.
A Living Resource
Green himself described the project as “continual development.” As he wrote in 2016, “Language does not reach an end, nor does research.” The GDoS Online is constantly updated, ensuring that slang’s fleeting nature is captured in real time.
For anyone interested in the history of language, cultural shifts, or simply understanding what people really mean when they talk, Green’s Dictionary is an invaluable resource. It’s a testament to the power of documentation and a reminder that language is always in motion.
