The definition of slang is a type of language that cannot be found in the dictionary. Different slang words are used in different cities and regions, as well as among different demographic groups. There are several different reasons why slang is used. This can give individuals a sense of belonging and give them a sense of identity. It can be used by people to stand out from the rest of the population, who would have difficulty understanding them if they were listening to a conversation between certain slang speakers. It is a constantly evolving form of language, evolving over the years. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first example of French slang that differs from American slang is verlan; words formed by reversing the syllables of a standard French word. The word "verlan" itself is verlan for "the reverse." This form of slang was first used in Paris after World War II and quickly became popular through music, television, and other forms of popular culture. Nowadays, verlan is spoken throughout France. Some verlan words are very rarely used and other words cannot be verlanized. However, a certain number of verlan words have spread in France. Sometimes a verlan word is re-verlanized because of this. The rearrangement of the syllables creates a form of password that is impossible to decipher by an individual who is unaware of the verlan's existence. For example, in Ideal J's Le Ghetto Français, the rapper pronounces the phrase "Protager the skin of his pain-co". Pain-co, in standard French, would be “friend”. It's completely different from anything you hear in American hip hop, which doesn't alter the syllables of a word in any way. There are countless examples of verlan in French hip hop, with French rappers even pronouncing their own names as verlan. For example, the rapper Fabe, in 'L'Impertinent', introduces himself under the name 'Bef'. In addition to this, MC Solaar called himself “Laarso” in many of his songs. Added to this is another form of slang which differs enormously from American rap. Slang and vocabulary from other languages, usually Arabic. The majority of rappers in the United States are African-American, but they speak English and only English when they rap. On the other hand, most French rappers are of Middle Eastern origin. Cities like Marseille and Paris, home to many rap legends, have large Arab populations. A large number of French rappers are of Arab origin, their parents having left countries like Algeria due to economic difficulties. Many of them use slang words derived from Arabic. One of these rappers is Ali, who was part of the duo Lunatic. He was born in France but is of Moroccan origin. Several Arabic words and terms are used in his lyrics. For example, in No Time for Regrets, he says “To life Inch’ Allah”. It’s a term that means “God willing.” This phrase is very commonly spoken by Muslims and variations of the phrase are used in Persian, Turkish and Urdu. Booba also uses a common Arabic term in another Lunatic song, Le silence n'est pas un oubli. He says “I say Bismillah when I eat”. Bismillah is an Arabic phrase meaning "in the name of God", which is also commonly used by many Muslims. There are several American Muslim rappers, but it is extremely rare to hear Arabic phrases spoken by them. Additionally, "wesh wesh" is a common greeting that derives from Arabic, common..