1. Slang is not particularly in America, it probably just feels like that to us because we live in America and are constantly surrounded by people that speak English.
2. The opening paragraph states that the English language is actually very diverse. It is a "combiner" and a "conqueror". This paragraph lays the foundation for the rest of the ideas to follow because the majority then discusses examples of slang and how it has become second nature to us. Because of the fact that we are so uniform to our language yet so lazy at the same time, slang has become the social norm.
3. lawless- contrary to or without regard for law
germinal- being in the earliest stage of development
perennial- lasting for a long time
Slang is not uniform to a set law of how it should be done. It revolves around the people and their needs and preferences. It is also not scripted. Slang is just known and accepted by everyone that speaks English. A modern example of slang that applies to the definition that Whitman describes is "yolo". This word was more popular in the beginning of 2014 when singer/songwriter Drake used it in one of his songs. "Yolo" was never taught in grade school nor does it appear in a dictionary. It is not a proper noun nor a verb. It simply means "you only live once". Even though it was never properly taught to anyone, it still become globally known and extremely popular among young people.
4. Whitman uses two metaphors in the second paragraph; "Slang... is the lawless germinal element..." and "Slang... is the wholesome fermentation or eructation of those processes eternally active in language..." I believe that the first is more effective because it proves that slang is almost foolish and absurd. It is not necessary in society yet we considerate it be.
5. To make his perspective "plainer" by using easy and simple phrases to explain what he means. He also includes examples of slang to allow us to understand more clearly.
6. According the Whitman, the relationship between slang and mythology is that both have unknown origins. As mythology pertains to gods and mythical creatures, slang has no exact beginning.
7. I believe these examples illustrate a single point. Slang changes no matter where in the world you may go. It is the simplest form of every language.
8. I think the argument about humorists undercuts Whitman's essay. Although he is trying to make a point about others and their relations with slang, his original opinion is about American slang being ridiculously unnecessary.
9. The overall tone of this essay is serious. He also seems to be very passionate about this topic. Whitman addresses his opinion on slang in America and then backs it up with examples and evidence. In the last paragraph, Whitman refers to slang as "...the start of fancy, imagination and humor..." He speaks very highly and almost proudly of American slang.
10. From what I have previously read by him, Whitman tends to use short, simple phrases. He likes these phrases to have deep meaning that must be deeply analyzed. Although there were short phrases, they were not always very simple. His passion about the subject seemed to elongate each sentence in order to comment and praise more fully the language and composition of American slang.
11. Whitman's definition is that many slang words have been stripped of literal meaning in order to become something completely different, exactly what they are not. A common example of this is the phrase "to hang out". Literally, that would look more like animals hanging from trees. People use it, instead, to refer to spending time with friends.
12. As a young adult, I use slang very often with friends and even family. It has become a great part of my typical, everyday life. Although adults tend to think that we do it to feel cool or just because we are lazy, it is actually just how the world is. Everyone uses slang, they just don't realize how often they do.
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