READING A STORY AND ANSWER THE QUESTION

Read “We’re Cool, Mom and Dad are swell” while answering the reading questions over this article.

Reading Questions over the ‘swell’ and ‘cool’ article

1. What’s the difference between basic slang words like ‘swell’ and ‘cool’ and what we normally think of when we think of slang?

2. What do you think is the best definition of slang? Look at the definitions offered in the reading and combine/modify them if you want to.

3. What are the functions of slang?

4. What cultural values were conveyed by ‘swell’?

5. Why did ‘swell’ have such a long slang life?

6. When did ‘swell’ stop being used with its original basic slang meaning? How did it come to be used after that (that is, how is it used today)?

8. What connotations did ‘cool’ have as it became popular in the 1930s and 1940s? Why is its use especially associated with the African American community of that time?

9. What does the author argue is a key difference between the meaning of ‘swell’ and ‘cool’?

10. What meaning does ‘cool’ convey today?

Also consider this question:

‘Slang’ and ‘cool’ were argued (I think effectively) to be basic slang terms (cultural resonance, pervasiveness, longevity, broad application). Can you propose any slang term since ‘cool’ that would fit the category of basic slang? Be ready to make your case in class.

Homework 2 Due on Tuesday, Sept 23. 5 pts

Present four new slang words in this format (1) give its part of speech,(2) give its pronunciation (3) give a definition, (4) give the word-formation process, and (5) give an authentic example):

mansplain 1)(verb) (2) mænsplen(3)the act of a male explaining to a female something that he assumes that she doesn’t already know; done in a condescending manner

(4) word –formation process: blend of ‘man’ and ‘explain’

(5) Let Me Mansplain That Sports Illustrated Cover For You, Little Lady!

Warnings: You may not make up a slang word. It has to be popular to some degree, NOT just between you and your brother/sister or best friend while you’re doing this homework assignment. You should also not just go to urbandictionary.com. A lot of those entries are just those words that someone and their brother/sister or best friend use. Find or recall real uses of the term.

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