Abstract:
Modern American slang is a new creation of non-written language, and a crystallization of history and culture. Slang is an objective existence that is used frequently by some people as an indispensable part of vocabulary and a vitally important communication tool. American slang develops rapidly, as a special carrier in American culture and a miniature of American culture. Just like Chinese idioms, proverbs or two-part allegorical sayings with the profound Chinese culture and Chinese philosophy, American slang also reflects American culture and philosophy. Therefore, American slang is a window for people to better know American culture. In this paper, four main parts will be introduced: background and source of American slang; main features such as humor, convenience and fast update; social culture reflected by American slang; and its current situation. At last, the conclusion will be reached that American slang can be widely used in order to make your words fashionable, simple, and attractive, make better communication with Americans, and get deeper insights into American culture.

Key words: American culture; slang; feature

摘要：
现代美国俚语是一种非书面性语言的创新，是历史和文化的结晶。俚语是客观存在的被许多人经常使用的语言，是词汇中不可或缺的组成部分，已成为极其重要的交际工具。作为美国文化一种特殊的载体和美国文化的一个缩影，美国俚语发展迅速。如同中国的成语、谚语或者歇后语包含了深厚的中国文化与中国哲学，美国俚语也同样生动地体现了西方文化与西方哲学。因此，美国俚语对于我们来说正像一扇窗户，一扇透过它去了解西方文化的窗户。这篇文章将从四个主要部分介绍美国俚语：背景和来源；幽默、方便、更新快速的特点；它所反映的社会文化，以及现状。最后，得出结论由于它时尚、简单、有吸引力因此被广泛使用，通过它我们还可以更好地与美国人深入交流了解其文化。

关键词：美国文化；俚语；特征

1 Introduction
In American English, the language that is the closest to people’s lives and can reflect civilian’s requirements and social features is American slang. As a form of civilian’s language, it absorbs nutrition constantly from the social practice of the public. What’s more, American slang helps to develop the formation of standard national language. It converts past English into today’s popular language; it directly reflects the democratic forces in the new age of America and stimulates innovative spirit.
In the United States, especially after the foundation of the states and the rising of nationalism, Americans had a new understanding of slang. Many scholars spoke highly of American slang, thinking it was a national cultural product with the spirit of democracy. Famous American scholar John Batelite Russell collected some slang vocabulary in his American oral vocabulary, pointing out words can not be preserved in the dictionary but in the process of use. As long as slang in spoken English is used, it will be preserved, so slang is a large complement to the source of American language.