Lexical and semantic patterns of English slang in Justin Bieber's Instagram comments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53696/27753719.62442Keywords:
Slang, Instagram, Sociolinguistics, Word Formation, Semantic MeaningAbstract
This study examines lexical formation and semantic meaning in the use of slang within Instagram comment discourse. The data consist of 89 slang items collected from comments on ten highly engaged posts from Justin Bieber’s verified Instagram account. Using a qualitative approach supported by simple frequency analysis, the study investigates how slang expressions are linguistically formed and how meaning is constructed in online interaction. The findings reveal that acronyms and initialisms are the most prominent word-formation processes, reflecting a preference for brevity and efficiency in digital communication. Other processes, including conversion, clipping, blending, and word creation, demonstrate the creative adaptation of language in online discourse. Semantic analysis indicates that, although conceptual meaning is dominant, connotative, affective, social, and collocative meanings also play vital roles in expressing evaluation, emotion, and interpersonal stance. Overall, the findings suggest that slang in Instagram comments functions not only as a mechanism of linguistic economy but also as a resource for informal expression and interaction in digitally mediated communication. By linking lexical formation patterns with semantic functions, this study contributes to the understanding of slang use in contemporary social media discourse.
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