IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Exploring Slang Words Used by the Male and Female Main Characters in “Anyone but You” Movie

Mayuni, Ni Ketut Mas Ayu (Unknown)
Ayomi, Putu Nur (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Oct 2025

Abstract

Slang is an informal form of language commonly used in casual conversation to express identity, emotions, and social connections. It is especially prevalent in spoken English among younger generations and is frequently featured in films, music, and social media. This study analyzes the types and functions of slang used by the male and female main characters in the film Anyone but You (2023), applying Allan and Burridge’s (2006) classification. Data were collected through script analysis of approximately 120 minutes of dialogue and examined using a descriptive qualitative approach. Out of the 25 slang expressions identified, four types of slang were found: flippant, clipping, fresh and creative, and imitative. Flippant slang was the most common. Although both characters used expletive and taboo words, the male character, Ben, used slang more frequently and focused on masculine identity and peer-group language. In contrast, the female character, Bea, employed slang that was more emotionally expressive and context-dependent. Overall, the use of slang enriches the dialogue by making it more natural, relatable, and reflective of the characters’ social identities and emotions. These findings also highlight gender differences in slang usage and contribute to sociolinguistic studies on film discourse.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...