How Music Influences the Evolution of Slang Words

Language is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving as old words take on new meanings. One of the most significant influences on our everyday vocabulary comes from music, particularly rap and hip-hop. These genres not only enrich our language but also promote diversity while shaping identity and a sense of belonging. Music is often celebrated as a universal language, forging connections among people across the globe.

Numerous terms coined by music artists, such as “bling bling” and “bootylicious,” have gained official recognition in the Oxford English Dictionary. Today, these catchy phrases have seamlessly integrated into our everyday conversations, enriching our language with their vibrant flair.

In September, the Merriam-Webster dictionary welcomed more than 690 new words, including trendy additions like ‘rizz’ and ‘doggo.’ With over 94% of Americans incorporating slang into their conversations, interest in these colloquial terms is on the rise. In fact, monthly searches for ‘slang dictionary’ have soared to over 8,100, reflecting a growing curiosity about the evolving language of today.

In the opening section of this article, we explore the fascinating evolution of language through the lens of music. We then take a closer look at 90 top artists from the Billboard 100, revealing:

• The music artists that use slang the most
• The most popular slang words of 2023 and how they have evolved over time
• Artists with the longest vocabularies
• Music artists that curse the most

So, how has language evolved through music? Keep reading to find out.

How language evolves through music

Pop and rap culture, along with social media, have transformed the meanings of numerous words, a phenomenon known as semantic shift. Here are four notable examples:

• Broadening – words become more generalized over time.
• Narrowing – words become less generalized over time.
• Amelioration – meaning of words becomes more positive.
• Pejoration – the depreciation of a word’s meaning.

From seasoned artists to emerging talents, the music we listen to is transforming our everyday conversations. A recent study by LingualNeeds found that 30% of British individuals pick up slang from music and other entertainment sources, highlighting the significant impact of these cultural influences on our language.

A prime example of how language evolves through music is the word “ghost.” According to a report by The New York Times, its meaning began to shift in the 1980s. Traditionally, “ghost” refers to someone who has died, but in hip hop and on social media, it has taken on a new life. Today, the term is often used to describe the act of cutting someone off without any explanation, showcasing the dynamic nature of language in contemporary culture.

The evolution of language through music and time is exemplified by the term “woke.” Linguist and lexicographer Tony Thorne notes that this phrase originated in the 1940s within African American communities, signifying a heightened awareness of social justice issues. Its popularity surged in 2016, thanks in part to its incorporation into hip-hop and pop lyrics, transforming “stay woke” into a rallying cry for awareness and activism.

With the constant flow of new music and the ever-changing landscape of social media, we can expect to see an exciting overlap of word meanings and the emergence of entirely new terms that will eventually be recognized in the English dictionary.

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Music slang words that have been added to the English dictionary

On April 30, 2003, the Oxford English Dictionary officially recognized “Bling-Bling,” a term popularized by Cash Money rapper B.G. This catchy phrase refers to extravagant jewelry that shines and sparkles, capturing the essence of luxury and style.

The phrase “YOLO,” which stands for “you only live once,” soared to fame thanks to Canadian rapper Drake, who introduced it in his 2011 hit song “The Motto.” This track has since sold over three million copies in the United States alone. Its widespread appeal led to the inclusion of “YOLO” in the English Dictionary in 2016, solidifying its place in pop culture.

How 2023’s most popular slang words have evolved over time

Curious about the slang terms currently favored by singers? In our analysis of the top 100 Billboard artists of 2023, we’ve identified the five most popular slang words and explored their evolution over time.

In 2023, the slang term “mood” took center stage, becoming the year’s most popular expression. Originally used to convey personal feelings, it has transformed into a universal term that artists, particularly in music, use to express relatability. While “mood” has been around since 2016, its popularity soared this year, largely fueled by Ice Spice’s hit song, “In Ha Mood.”

The term “lit” surged in popularity in 2010 as a way to express something cool or exciting. Interestingly, this slang has roots dating back to 1895, when it referred to being intoxicated. While its meaning has evolved over the years, “lit” remains a prominent term in the music scene today.

Megan Thee Stallion popularized the phrase “Hot Girl Summer,” which has since become a staple in modern English. This catchy term inspires both women and men to embrace a carefree and enjoyable spirit during the summer months.

In our exploration of music trends over the past decade, we examined 3,632 songs to uncover the most popular slang terms. The standout words that have captured listeners’ attention are “Hot,” “Bet,” “Lit,” and “Dog.”

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The music artists that have the highest number of slang words in songs

Eminem stands out in the music world for his extensive use of slang, incorporating over 404 unique slang terms into his lyrics. His iconic track “Lose Yourself” has amassed a staggering 1.8 billion streams, showcasing its lasting impact. Additionally, he boasts an impressive fanbase on Spotify, with over 63.5 million monthly listeners tuning in to his music.

Eminem’s iconic term “Stan,” which refers to passionate, dedicated fans, has officially earned its place in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Even in 2023, this word remains popular, highlighting the lasting impact of Eminem’s music on modern slang and culture.

Nicki Minaj, the reigning Queen of Rap, boasts an impressive 57.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, supported by her dedicated fanbase known as the ‘Barbz.’ Notably, she stands out as the only female rapper in the top five for incorporating slang into her lyrics, with a remarkable tally of over 355 slang terms across her songs. This unique linguistic flair not only defines her style but also resonates deeply with fans who embrace her distinctive language daily.

The top 10 music artists that use slang most frequently in songs

Among the top 100 Billboard artists, Ice Spice stands out as the queen of slang, incorporating a slang word into her lyrics every 20 words. Her most popular choice? The versatile term ‘Mood,’ which captures the essence of her unique style.

Doja Cat has made her mark in the music world, landing in the top 10 for the most frequent use of slang, incorporating one slang term for every 57 words in her songs. Close behind her is Travis Scott, who also ranks in the top 10, featuring a slang word for every 68 words in his tracks.

The top 15 music artists that curse most frequently in songs

According to a recent report from MusicRadar, the use of profanity in music has surged by 14% over the last ten years. Here’s a look at the artists leading the charge with their bold language choices:

Megan Thee Stallion skyrocketed to stardom in 2019 and currently boasts an impressive 26.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Notably, she has earned the distinction of having the highest frequency of explicit language in her songs, with a curse word appearing in every 15 words.

Known as the ‘Queen of Rap,’ Nicki Minaj ranks seventh for the highest rate of curse words in her lyrics, averaging one curse for every 30 words. Interestingly, she curses far more frequently than the top-ranked Megan Thee Stallion, tallying over 1,600 instances of profanity throughout her discography.

Tyler the Creator, a Grammy-winning rapper, boasts an impressive 29.4 million monthly listeners and ranks fourth for the most frequent use of profanity in his music. On average, he drops a curse word every 25 words, totaling over 600 instances throughout his songs.

Music artists with the biggest vocabularies

Eminem not only boasts the highest number of slang terms in his lyrics but also holds the title for the richest vocabulary among artists. With over 8,000 unique words in his repertoire, he impressively uses a distinct word for every fifth term.

Next in line after Eminem is the immensely popular rapper, Drake. In 2013, this Canadian sensation took home the Grammy for Best Rap Album, showcasing his remarkable lyrical prowess. Notably, Drake boasts an impressive vocabulary, with over 6,900 unique words featured in his lyrics, earning him the title of second-largest vocabulary in the rap game.

Taylor Swift captivates audiences worldwide with her masterful storytelling in music, forging deep connections with her fans. Impressively, she ranks seventh for the largest vocabulary in songwriting, boasting over 3,800 unique words. This means that approximately 1 in every 9 words in her lyrics is distinct, showcasing her lyrical creativity and depth.

Beyoncé stands out as one of the most iconic Black artists of our time. Her recent Renaissance World Tour made history by becoming the highest-grossing female solo tour, securing a spot in the top 10 highest-grossing tours of all time. Additionally, she boasts an impressive vocabulary in her music, featuring over 3,100 unique words, ranking her among the top 10 artists with the largest lyrical lexicons.

Conclusion

As social media continues to flourish, the meanings of words are constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay updated. With the steady stream of new songs from popular rappers and artists, it will be fascinating to watch how fresh slang emerges and integrates into the English language.

At LingualNeeds, our dedicated English tutors are ready to guide you through the vibrant world of slang. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your conversational skills, we provide personalized one-on-one online tutoring with experienced professionals. Join us to enhance your language abilities and confidently incorporate slang into your conversations!

Methodology

We examined the lyrics of more than 90 leading Billboard Hot 100 artists and analyzed over 3,632 songs across various genres. Our goal was to uncover which artists frequently incorporated popular slang and curse words, as well as who boasted the largest vocabularies.

Data is correct as of 20.10.2023