Linguistics Initiative
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025)

Analysis of American slang words in Whiplash movie

Sotyarini, Ririn (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic and functional characteristics of American slang within the film script of Whiplash (2014), written by Damien Chazelle. It categorizes slang based on linguistic features and discusses their roles in portraying character relationship, emotional intensity, and group-based identity in a high-pressure music academy setting. The study finds that slang in Whiplash functions not just as informal language, but as a purposeful communicative strategy. It facilitates peer interaction, expresses strong emotion, and strengthen group identity, while also serving as a tool for social division, pressure, and control. These expressions reflect a range of linguistic features – such as ellipsis, rhythm, creativity, vulgarity, and ephemerality – that mirror the demanding environment of competitive jazz. Ultimately, the film demonstrates how slang can function as both a bonding mechanism and a form of domination, highlighting the powerful relationship between language, power, and identity.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

live

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Linguistics Initiative is an academic journal that presents issues in linguistics and applied linguistics from multi-disciplinary approaches. This journal publishes articles that discuss research on language as a system of communication or a cognitive, social, and historical phenomenon as well as ...