GENDER LINGUISTICS AND SLANG IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This article analyzes the relationship between gender linguistics and slang in English and Uzbek languages, focusing on how gender influences speech styles, lexical choices, and the formation of informal language. It examines the sociolinguistic factors that shape gendered communication patterns and explores how slang functions as a marker of identity, group belonging, and social interaction, particularly among younger speakers. The study also considers the impact of globalization, digital technologies, and social media platforms on the development and spread of slang in both linguistic contexts. Special attention is given to how traditional gender norms influence language use in Uzbek society, while English demonstrates comparatively more flexible and less rigid gender distinctions in informal communication. Furthermore, the article highlights the increasing convergence of slang usage across genders due to the influence of online communication, where linguistic boundaries are becoming more fluid. The comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences in how gender and slang interact in English and Uzbek, showing that while cultural and social factors continue to shape language use, modern digital environments are gradually reducing traditional linguistic constraints.