What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lingo
Example
I couldn't understand the lingo they were speaking in the meeting. [lingo: noun]
Example
The IT department uses a lot of technical lingo that I don't understand. [lingo: noun]
slang
Example
He used a lot of slang when talking to his friends. [slang: noun]
Example
That's a sick ride! [slang: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slang is more commonly used than lingo in everyday language. Slang is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lingo is less common and refers to technical or specialized vocabulary.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lingo and slang?
Lingo can be formal or technical in nature, while slang is generally informal and associated with casual speech. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.