Social Media Slang Words Among Libyan Youths

Abstract

Slang is a vital and interactive component of language that reflects social identity and cultural change. The present study investigates the use of slang among Libyan youth, focusing on the characteristics, functions, and development of slang expressions in their speech. Libyan youth slang is highly informal and differs from standard language in both form and usage, often shaped by social factors such as peer social networks, media exposure, and technological advancement.

This study used a descriptive qualitative approach to analyze slang usage among Libyan youth speakers. Data were collected from a sample of 30 male participants living in Sabratha. The dataset consisted of naturally occurring conversations containing slang expressions, gathered with the assistance of the researcher’s social network, including relatives and students.

The analysis of this paper has attempted to explore four types of slang used by Libyan youth, including forms influenced by internet communication. The study examined the meanings and pragmatic functions of these expressions. The findings revealed that slang is primarily used to express emotions, particularly negative feelings, to facilitate informal communication, and to establish in-group identity. In some cases, slang is also used to obscure meaning or exclude outsiders from understanding conversations. Overall, this study highlights the richness and variability of Libyan youth slang and its significant role in everyday communication.