Analysis of slang in the animated movie Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This study aims to analyze the types and sociolinguistic functions of slang expressions used by the characters in the animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, with data comprising 25 slang expressions identified from the film's dialogues. The analysis is based on Allan and Burridge's (2006) theory of slang and sociolinguistic frameworks. The findings reveal that imitative slang is the most dominant language style, accounting for 36% of the data, followed by clipping (28%), fresh and creative slang (24%), flippant slang (8%), and acronym (4%). The dominance of imitative slang indicates that the characters frequently utilize informal address terms to establish peer-to-peer connection and familiarity. Regarding their sociolinguistic functions, these slang expressions are primarily used by the teenage characters to create informal interaction, express emotions, and strengthen social relationships. These findings suggest that the characters strategically employ slang not merely as casual vocabulary, but as a dynamic linguistic tool to construct adolescent identity and navigate social relationships. Overall, the study demonstrates that the use of slang in the movie reflects the communication style of adolescents in contemporary society and functions as a linguistic representation of youth culture in modern media