Slang Words Used in Dope Movie

Authors

  • Hanifa Fildza Ghassani English Literature, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Jawa Barat , Indonesia
  • Otong Setiawan Djuharie English Literature, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Jawa Barat , Indonesia
  • Toneng Listiani English Literature, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Jawa Barat , Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.7535

Keywords:

Sociolinguistics; Slang Words; Dope; Movie; Urban language; African-American youth.

Abstract

This study examines the types and meanings of slang words used in Rick Famuyiwa's "Dope" movie (2015), and the research addresses the gap in understanding community-specific communication patterns by analysing authentic teenage dialogue through the theoretical framework for slang classification proposed by Allan and Burridge (2006). This study used qualitative descriptive methodology to identify and categorise slang expressions from the film's dialogue and transcript. The analysis identified 91 slang words, which were classified into five types: flippant, fresh and creative, imitative, clipping, and acronym. Flippant, fresh and creative slang indicates that characters use language that is innovative and different from standard meanings, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban youth communication. Slang is employed to establish interpersonal relationships, create group identities and express emotions. The findings contribute to an understanding of how slang is used in media representations, enriching the knowledge of youth culture and its application in film.

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Published

2025-07-30

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