Culturalistics: Journal of Cultural, Literary, and Linguistic Studies
Vol 10, No 1 (2026): Culturalistics: Journal of Cultural, Literary, and Linguistics Studies (June 20

AN ANALYSIS OF SLANG WORDS IN THE SONG GOD’S PLAN BY DRAKE

Asti Nur Cahyani (English Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung)
Siti Lutfiah (English Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung)
Erlita Priha (English Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung)
Eny Maulita Purnama Sari (English Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the slang words used in God’s Plan by Drake, focusing on their types, meanings, and functions within the song’s context. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method, using the lyrics as the primary data source. A total of 50 slang words were identified and categorized into 18 types of word formation. The findings reveal that 10 types appear in the song: clipping (20%), variation (16%), final combining forms (12%), compounding (12%), prefixes and suffixes (12%), blending (6%), acronyms and initialisms (6%), coinage (4%), derivation (4%), multiple processes (4%), and conversion (4%). These slang words serve to create an informal tone, convey social identity, reflect cultural and geographical context, and maintain rhythmic and stylistic flow in the lyrics. The absence of other types, such as borrowing, reduplicatives, elliptic rhyming slang, reversed forms, back formation, infixes, and onomatopoeia, indicates selective linguistic choices by Drake. Overall, the study concluded that slang word in “God’s Plan” by Drake functions as a deliberate linguistic and sociocultural tool, enhancing expressiveness, stylistic effect, and audience engagement in contemporary hip-hop music. 

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Journal Info

Abbrev

culturalistics

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

Culturalistics: Journal of Cultural, Literary, and Linguistic Studies is a peer-reviewed triannual scientific journal published by Department of Linguistics, Diponegoro University, Indonesia. It publishes articles in the field of cultural, literary, and linguistic ...