Manchester crowned city which uses the most slang in conversation- with nearly one in three doing so

Slang is a major part of the English language, with lots of phrases being coined over the years. Many of these words are used on a daily basis by lots of people across the country. The survey, carried out by Preply, has identified that Manchester is the city which uses the most slang. According to results, 27.56% of respondents- almost one in three- use slang. 

The slang-speaking cities following closely behind are Cardiff at 27.65% and Liverpool at 27.27%. The wider results reveal that nearly two in five Brits (36.13%) use slang in occasional conversations, while a smaller 8.53% say they actually use slang in all conversations. 

In general, the survey found that 66% of British people learn and pick up slang from friends. 54% learn slang words from family members. 

Elsewhere in the survey, almost half of British people asked think it is most appropriate to use slang at home. 17% of those surveyed said that it is OK to use slang at work whilst 6% said it is fine on a first date and 4% would use slang in a job interview. 

Sylvia Johnson, Language expert at Preply, said: “During the mid-18th century, the term “slang” gained popularity in the English language. Initially associated with the vocabulary used by tramps and thieves, slang captures the essence of the time period in which the words were coined and often reveals the speaker’s era. 

“Nowadays, in addition to social media and the internet, new slang often emerges from popular culture and is used as a ‘flex’ showing that you are keeping up with the latest trends. Slang serves as a form of shorthand, not only for language but also for the connections that unite us. It fosters a sense of belonging among individuals within a specific “tribe” or circle of friends.”