All choice of words is slang. It marks a class." "There is correct English: that is not slang." "I beg your pardon: correct English is the slang of prigs who write history and essays. And the strongest slang of all is the slang of poets.
The quote discusses the nature of language and how it reflects social class. It suggests that the choice of words, particularly slang, signifies one's social standing, emphasizing that what is deemed "correct English" is often the formulation of a select group of individuals, such as scholars and historians. This implies that language is inherently tied to social context and power dynamics.
The author further argues that even "correct English" functions as a form of slang, rooted in the perspectives of those who shape it. Additionally, it points out that poetry, often using its unique and expressive language, embodies the most profound form of slang. This highlights the notion that all forms of language, including the so-called standard, have their own cultural significance and roots in social structures.
