Using Slang and Dialects in your writing

Slang and Dialects can give your writing more impact ... if used correctly

One common request from our clients is to review scripts to make sure they are free of hidden meanings, and improper use of slang. Since most dictionaries and thesauruses don't carry ALL of the hidden meanings of words, lots of editors fail to recognize the meanings of many words and phrases, especially if they are weak in street smarts, or lack a good slang vocabulary.

Hear are some examples of everyday words that are also powerful slang words you should watch out for, and be careful with in your writing. 

Wood, woody:   Lots of people are familiar with this one, because it has been used in various advertising campaigns for some well known sexual enhancement drugs. Using slang in these circumstances is very effective, because FFC rules limit how descriptive the advertisements can  be on national TV. Also, the manufacturer would not want to be seen as selling their product in a such a bold manner, allowing those who understand the term to get the message about the product, and to be ignored by those who have no idea what is being said.

Top, Bottom: Use these words very carefully. Always include modifiers so your exact meaning is clear. Here is an example:

Before: Harold likes to be the top flute player in the band.

Well, there are two slang terms being used here. Readers with a good slang vocabulary would be laughing right now. Playing the flute is slang for having sex with someone of the same sex. Top is the person carrying out the sex act, and bottom in the person it is being done to.

After: The band asked Harold to play the flute when they went on tour.

Notice how the word 'top' was eliminated, and extra description was added to make it clear that playing the flute is musical in nature instead of the double meaning of the slang term. 

Load: Another innocent word with a serious slang meaning. Here is an actual example:

Before: Robert delivered his load before he went to lunch.

Well, some writers really like to play games with editors. This example almost made it into the production script for a movie. The client was glad we got it for them.  'Load' is slang for male  ejaculation.  

After: Robert made the delivery to the factory before he went to lunch.

Notice how the hidden meaning word 'load' was eliminated, and more description was added about making the delivery to the factory.

Now, about Dialects, y'all ... 

One of our clients, Howard, points out that using dialects in writing also has to be done very carefully, if used at all.

Howard's email says:  "In different places, around the US, and around the world, different things have different meanings, and confusion can result if the intended meaning is misunderstood by readers, which is comparable to using slang incorrectly."

Howard raises an important point, and that is movie scripts should always be written in standard English, but what about those times where a special dialect is needed to further a character? 

For example, the character 'Mater', in the Disney CGI movie 'Cars' would would not be the same if the lines were read in Standard English. The 'hillbilly' dialect gives the character a more 'down home' quality that would be impossible to convey if spoken in Standard English. 

What are script writers to do?

It has been our experience that dialects should be mentioned in the character notes, and the script written in Standard English. If it is approved for production, the person chosen to play the part should have natural use of the the desired dialect. 

We say 'should' because there are countless examples of actors in movies trying to imitate accents or dialects they are not familiar with. The most common example is when American actors try talking with a British accent.

Also, Script researchers will want to know the Standard English word definitions and context before making any changes for accent or dialect. After all, movies, and the scripts they are made from, are now made for worldwide distribution, and production companies have to be careful when translating scripts for the international market. It is also common for different scenes and even lines to be filmed (or overdubbed) for distribution in different world markets. Unlocked Mind is more involved with the creative aspects of story development; we recognize that there are other companies and individual consultants that have more expertise in re-working scripts to include dialects, especially if an actor form New York is expected to talk like someone from the South.

Of course, if you are concerned that your script may be rejected, you should consider using our  script review service before submitting your script for consideration. After you have invested so much time and effort in writing your script, you don't want it to be rejected or sell for less than what it is really worth.

Contact information:

We prefer email communications because it provides a record of communication. Please email your questions to us.    Thank you

Our website looks old because it is old. See why.