The Use of Ict-Rooted Communication Codes and Slangs among Nigerian Students

Scholars categorize slang as a language of the deviatory type that ranks below a formal speech and contains words that are used in special ways. Since its advent in the 18th century with its negative connotation and use by persons of low and disreputable character, including thieves, it has since been undergoing a dramatic transformation over time. Lately, slangs have found their ways into formal language codes in Nigeria especially among the youth. This study is an exploratory investigation of the patterns and meanings of slangs used by students of tertiary institutions in the country. This is a step toward the codification of these language deviances so that they can be better understood as communication tools and be an example to be imitated by other climes. The study found that many of the slangs and other coded words being used by the respondents were ICT-inspired. The research presents analysis of meanings, usage patterns and nature of such slangs.