Slang in Action: Investigating the Most Common Types Used by Indonesian University Students with Advanced English Proficiency on Hallo Live Streams
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18592/let.v16i1.18135Keywords:
Hallo app, Indonesian Learners, Live Streaming, Slang, SociolinguisticsAbstract
The increasing use of live-streaming platforms has created new spaces for informal language practices, including the use of slang in real-time digital interactions. However, limited research has examined how Indonesian university students use slang in English-mediated live-streaming environments. This study aims to identify the types of slang used by Indonesian university students on Hallo live streams, determine the most dominant type, and explore the communicative purposes underlying its use. Employing a descriptive qualitative design with supporting quantitative data, the study involved 60 Indonesian university students aged 18–26 who actively participated in Hallo live streaming activities. Data were collected through live-stream observations and questionnaires and analyzed using Allan and Burridge’s (2006) slang classification framework and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed five types of slang: imitative, acronym, fresh and creative, clipping, and flippant. Among these, imitative slang was the most dominant type (34%), followed by fresh and creative (24%) and acronym forms (22%). The questionnaire results indicated that slang was primarily used to maintain familiarity, initiate casual conversations, reduce social distance, express emotions, and strengthen group identity. These findings demonstrate that slang functions not only as a linguistic variation but also as a strategic communicative resource in English-mediated digital interactions. This study contributes to the growing field of digital sociolinguistics by providing empirical insights into slang use within synchronous live-streaming environments.
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