Metaphors in Hebrew Slang, and Their Parallels in Hebrew Literature and in the Sources

A common misconception is that slang constitutes a "corrupt" form of language, and that because it deviates from accepted norms of "appropriateness," it must be regarded as an inferior mode of expression. The fact is, however, that slang does not violate any standard grammatical norms; it only defies stylistic conventions and breaks social taboos in order to impress the hearer with the distinctiveness and originality of some well-defined group of speakers. Furthermore, it can be shown that slang can be as creative as literary language. In Israeli slang, for instance, there are no less metaphors than in the highest literary registers of Hebrew: in both literature and slang, metaphors provide tangible realization of concepts through the use of objects and situations taken from real life, helping the reader/listener visualize an idea or concept in the most direct and colorful fashion. Although slang metaphors tend to be more blunt and down-to-earth, they are often characterized by a degree of creativity that may even overshadow the imaginative use of metaphors in the literary register, displaying highly sophisticated use of humor, sarcasm, double entendre, puns, etc.