Slang terms are an important part of any language and help further definethe culture they are unique to. One term in particular I thoughtwould be interesting was sneakers. The unique thing about this wordis most people use it without realizing it is slang and without realizationof where it originated. This term seems to have been phased out alittle from when originated and rightfully so since each new generationinvents new slang, which takes the place of the older outdated slang.Most of the people you hear using the term are older since it was the commonslang of their generation and are accustomed to using to it. Sneakeris a prime example of this taking place in our culture and also illustrateshow this is happening constantly to meet the demands of each new generation.I feel sneaker should be included in the Standard English Dictionary sinceit holds a special niche in the English language and would be very usefulto preserving culture for future generations.
The term sneaker originated in the early 1900s and has virtually held thesame meaning that it holds today. It is a noun that originated fromthe United States and first was used to describe shoes with rubber soles.In 1930 they further elaborated on the term sneaker by adding it was acanvas type of footwear that had rubber soles at the bottom. Thislasted until the 1950s when sneakers became a certain type of sports shoefor adults (Sneakers Oxford English Dictionary). Somewhere betweenthere and modern day another change took place in the definition of sneakers.During this time period sneakers took the generalized definition of justabout any type of informal shoe (Sneaker Cassells Dictionary of Slang).This definition is the one most use today when they use the slang sneakers.
In our modern society we have invented many new slang terms for shoes tobetter suit our times and culture. For instance today we would useterms such as kicks and tenners to describe shoes rather than outdatedterms like sneakers since they better fit the times. The usage ofthe word sneakers to some would be awkward in modern day but might be commonto those who grew up with it being the common slang of their generation.This is true just as our usage of some slang these days would be unfamiliarto those who are from different generations. For example, if yousaid to someone these days, Thats cool they might not know what youmean because their generation mightve been older than the one where thatphrase originated. This is just because of the forward progressionof language, and the changing culture of society.
Ifeel that sneakers should be admitted into Standard English Dictionarysince it is widely accepted and a universal term for shoe in our culture.By admitting it into the Standard English Dictionary we would be preservinga vital part of our culture and be honoring those who coined the term.When in the dictionary others could look back and get ideas on how slanghas evolved since then and how we as a society have made advancements.By printing it in a Standard English Dictionary it would be beneficialto all and would help further promote past memorable cultures.
Todaywhen most hear the term sneakers they immediately recognize that you arereferring to shoes, even though they might use other slang or terminologyfor them. Its one of the most universally know terms where evenif you didnt grow up in the generation it was popularized you can stillrelate to what it is. This slang term has been passed down from onegeneration to the next, culture to culture, and is still evident in ourlanguage today. This is not just preservation of language but alsothat of the cultures that molded it.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of language and culture, I've dedicated significant time to studying and understanding the evolution of slang terms, particularly those that have left a lasting impact on our daily lives. My passion for linguistics and the nuances of cultural expression has driven me to explore the rich history and usage of words like "sneakers."
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Sneakers' Evolution and Cultural Significance:
- The article rightly points out that slang terms, such as "sneakers," play a crucial role in defining the culture they belong to. It emphasizes the unique nature of this term, as many people use it without realizing its slang origins or its historical roots.
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Generational Shifts in Slang:
- The author highlights the natural process of language evolution, with older generations commonly using certain slang that might become outdated as new generations introduce fresh terms. This pattern is observed with the term "sneakers," which was more prevalent in the past but has been replaced by newer slang in contemporary language.
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Origin of the Term "Sneakers:"
- The article traces the origin of the term "sneakers" back to the early 1900s in the United States. It was initially used to describe shoes with rubber soles, evolving into a canvas-type footwear with rubber soles by 1930. The 1950s saw a shift, defining sneakers as a specific type of sports shoe for adults.
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Changing Definitions Over Time:
- A significant change occurred between the 1950s and modern times, where the term "sneakers" expanded to include a generalized definition for any type of informal shoe. This shift is documented in sources such as the "Sneakers" entry in Cassell's Dictionary of Slang.
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Contemporary Slang for Shoes:
- The article acknowledges that our modern society has generated new slang terms for shoes, like "kicks" and "tenners," which better reflect the current times and cultural preferences. This illustrates the dynamic nature of language and its adaptability to societal changes.
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Advocacy for Inclusion in Standard English Dictionary:
- The author argues for the inclusion of "sneakers" in the Standard English Dictionary, citing its widespread acceptance and universal recognition in our culture. This, they believe, would preserve an essential part of our cultural heritage and provide insights into the evolution of slang over time.
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Universal Recognition of "Sneakers:"
- The article notes that, despite the evolution of slang, the term "sneakers" remains universally recognized. Even individuals who did not grow up during its peak usage can understand its meaning, showcasing its enduring cultural impact.
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Preservation of Language and Culture:
- The conclusion emphasizes that recognizing "sneakers" in the Standard English Dictionary would not only preserve language but also honor the cultures that shaped it. It suggests that by documenting such terms, we can gain insights into societal advancements and the evolution of language.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the term "sneakers," tracing its origins, documenting its evolution, and advocating for its inclusion in the linguistic canon as a testament to its cultural significance.
