THE LEXICAL-SEMANTIC METHOD OF FORMING SLANG UNITS

This article explores the lexical-semantic method of forming slang units, highlighting its relevance and contribution to linguistic studies. Slang, as a dynamic and open linguistic system, is enriched through constant interaction with external social and cultural factors. The focus of this research is on the mechanisms of metonymy and metaphor, which serve as primary tools in slang formation. Metonymy facilitates meaning transfer based on contextual associations, while metaphor introduces figurative interpretations grounded in similarity or analogy. Examples from the Uzbek language illustrate how these mechanisms contribute to the creation of new slang units. The study also incorporates cross-linguistic comparisons, particularly with Russian and English, to identify universal and language-specific tendencies in slang development. The findings underscore the role of slang as a reflection of cultural and social identity, as well as its influence on the evolution of language.