<![CDATA[This study is driven by the phenomenon of language variation as a subject of sociolinguistic research, particularly the use of wakamono kotoba (slang) that is commonly used in modern Japanese society. The main issue addressed is how slang variations are used in the dialogues of the film *High & Low: The Worst* based on Sanada’s theory (1992). This study aims to identify the language formation processes of slang, classify them, and analyze their contextual meanings as influenced by the relationships between speakers, situational contexts, and the characters’ emotions. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a sociolinguistic approach. The results show that wakamono kotoba in this film are formed through sound changes (on’in henka), word shortening (shouryaku), and affix modification. The use of slang is strongly influenced by the speakers’ social identities, such as adolescence, male gender, and the school delinquent (yankee) group environment. Sound changes (sugee, urusee, omee) and word shortening (maji, teme) convey a masculine, coarse, and aggressive impression. Overall, the results show that wakamono kotoba functions as a tool for intimidation in conflict situations as well as a marker of solidarity and intimacy in friendships.]]>
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