An Analysis of Slang Usage in the Film Teenage Girl: A study of informal language in Expressing Adolescents’ Emotions and Social Relationships

Abstract

This research explores the use of slang in the film Teenage Girl, examining how informal language represents the emotional expressions and social dynamics of adolescent characters. Slang functions not merely as a means of communication, but also as a marker of identity, a tool for building group solidarity, and a medium for conveying nuanced emotional experiences. Adopting a qualitative descriptive approach within a sociolinguistic framework, this study analyzes selected dialogues from the film to identify the types, features, and communicative roles of slang expressions. The data were collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The findings indicate that slang in the film serves various purposes: articulating emotions such as happiness, frustration, and embarrassment; signaling group membership and solidarity; providing humor; and enabling the characters to navigate their social world. Additionally, the study highlights how adolescent girls creatively and strategically use slang to cope with emotional challenges and social expectations. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of slang as an important socio-emotional and cultural resource in adolescent interaction, both in media and in real-life contexts.