Еволюція молодіжного сленгу в контексті інтернет-комунікації на прикладі польської та української мов

The article explores the phenomenon of youth slang within Polish subcultures and its use in the online space. The research draws on the works of prominent linguists, as well as contemporary slang dictionaries and online resources. The language of Polish subcultures is marked by flexibility, variability, free word usage, simplification of syntactic structures, and considerable deviation from strict language norms. It is constantly evolving and is enriched with borrowings from other languages or neologisms formed by adapting these words to the Polish grammatical system. In examining the word-formation features of slang vocabulary, the article identifies methods such as borrowing from foreign languages, abbreviation, shortening, and metaphorization. It also analyzes trends in word shortening, the use of abbreviations, and symbols, which have gained popularity among the youth in online communication. Various examples of slang words and expressions that have entered everyday usage are provided. Special attention is given to neologisms and vocabulary changes influenced by contemporary social and global events, such as the pandemic, war, etc. The conclusions highlight the potential for slang vocabulary to further infiltrate mainstream language use, thereby transforming Poland’s language culture. This research opens new avenues for further investigation into the impact of slang on the Polish language and culture.