i

GARAY: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SLANG EXPRESSIONS

IN ONLINE MESSAGING CONVERSATIONS

RICAH MAE D. ARCINO

NORAISZA M. PURA
JOSE E. TENDIDO

A Thesis
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Degree,
Bachelor of Arts in English Language,
Department of Languages and Communication,
College of Arts and Communication,
University of Eastern Philippines,
University Town, Northern Samar

2022
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Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis titled GARAY: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SLANG

EXPRESSIONS IN ONLINE MESSAGING CONVERSATIONS, prepared and
submitted by RICAH MAE D. ARCINO, NORAISZA M. PURA, and JOSE
E. TENDIDO in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE is hereby
recommended for final defense.

ANATOLIA B. BASISTA, DALL P JAY NEIL G. VERANO

Research Adviser Research Professor
Date:_____________ Date:_____________

Recommended for final defense:

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

LEONILA A. LONGCOP, DALL

Chair
Date: _____________

ANAVIL LOU B. TULIN, DALL GLADYS G. MANGADA, PhD.

Member Member
Date: _______________ Date: ________________

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH
LANGUAGE.

____________ MARIA ALFE G. BANAWIS, DALL

Date Dean, College of Arts & Communication
ABSTRACT
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Title: GARAY: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SLANG

EXPRESSIONS IN ONLINE MESSAGING CONVERSATIONS

Researchers: RICAH DURAN ARCINO

NORAISZA MODRIGO PURA
JOSE EMPALMADO TENDIDO
Degree: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Adviser: ANATOLIA B. BASISTA, DALL
School: UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
Year: 2022

This qualitative-descriptive research is a contextual

analysis of 58 collected slang expressions, classified and

categorized according to Bloomfield’s Forms of Slang namely:

The Wrong Talk Funny One, Shortened Form, and Interjection.

There are also slang expressions that do not fit into any of

the above categories. Slang expressions with pre-existing

spellings that are now reinvented in terms of spelling,

pronunciation, and semantic bearing. The researchers refer

to this new form of slang as “Reinvented Form.”

Slang expressions are commonly used in online

messaging conversations between young people and teenagers.

In most cases, they are the primary users of slang

expressions; communicator participants who use slang

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expressions are teenagers. It is said that youths and

teenagers are the “trendsetters” and major contributors to

linguistic changes. According to the findings of this study,

youth use slang expressions involuntarily as a reaction to a

sudden situation in order to appear surprised and, at the

very least, to be unique and on trend. They renovate and

create novel, fresh, and creative words and lexis. This is a

clear demonstration of how language evolves, as words and

lexis take on new meanings. This also proves that informal

language should only be used in informal situations and

conversations because the majority of these terms and

expressions are unconventional. This also implies that young

people use slang to express themselves.

The situation, speaker meaning, and reason in the usage

of the slang vary from context to context and from

individual to individual. The definition of a word is not

established and fixed. Every expression has a linguistic

meaning that encompasses the literal or people’s perception

of a specific word. On the other hand, the speaker meaning

of any expression can only be determined by looking at the

context, reason, and situation in which it is used. This

implies that the meaning of each word, phrase, and

expression does not reside in a single meaning alone;

rather, it varies depending on the various factors affecting

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the entire conversation. This also illustrates that language

is fluid and adaptable; the meaning of a word can be

expanded and renovated as long as people use it in

conversation.

Furthermore, this study determines the situation,

speaker meaning, and the reasons for using the slang

expressions, using Krippendorff’s Framework on Content

Analysis, and classified the collected slang expression

using Bloomfield’s Forms of Slang, and the newly added

Reinvented Form of slang by the researchers.

The analyzed slang expressions can be utilized in the

classroom instruction to help both learners and language

instructors deepen their understanding and differentiate

between formal and informal situation where expressions can

be used. The meaning of these expressions varies from its

given context as well as the reasons why people use it in

conversations. It is also a big help to widen the

perspective about the flexibility and extendable quality of

a language.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Language Researcher 1 is Ricah Mae D. Arcino. She was

born on August 6, 2000, in Cagamutan Del Norte, Gamay N.

Samar in where she is also currently residing. She loves

reading books and watching Kdrama in her free time. She was

raised as a Catholic. And she is also currently single. Her

father is Rodel O. Arcino, a very supportive father to her

in whatever things she does. Her mother’s name is Felicidad

Arcino, the most lovable and caring mother. She has four

other siblings namely; Romer John Arcino, Roniel Jay Arcino,

Retchen Arcino, and Sharmaine Arcino. She finished her

elementary education in Cagamutan Central Elementary school,

Junior High School education in Cagamutan National High

school and Senior high school in Gala Vocational school. She

loves to participate in Youth camps, an activity that helps

every participant know their selves more and help them in

discovering their real purpose in life. She is also part of

some private organization like Manunulat para sa Bayan,

Youth for Youth Organization, and Write For A Cause

Organization that aims to help aspiring young writers pursue

their passion in writing while helping each other.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Language Researcher 2 is Noraisza M. Pura. She is a

public servant in their barangay, serving her term as the

Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson. She is a backpacker, and

loves camping. She has been to many camping sites in

Northern Samar, and loves connecting to nature. She was born

on the 31st day of December 2000, in Catarman N. Samar, and

is currently residing in Brgy. Buenavista, Rosario N. Samar.

She is born Catholic. And she is also currently single. She

was born to Esperanza M. Pura, a caring and one-of-a-kind

mother and Norman D. Pura, an OFW. She is the eldest among

her four other younger siblings namely; Noribelle M. Pura,

Norman Ezra M. Pura, Ezzabelle M. Pura, and Ellabelle M.

Pura. She finished her Elementary and Junior High School

education in Buenavista Elementary School in 2013 as

Valedictorian and Buenavista National High School in 2016 as

Salutatorian. And spent her Senior High School years taking

up ABM strand in Saint Michael Academy, and graduated in

2018 with High Honors. Also, she is a coffee addict and

loves killing time in cafés. A pet lover with 38 hamster, 8

guinea pigs, 11 albino mice, and a dog named Chuchay that’s

very close to her heart.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Language Researcher 3 is Jose Empalmado Tendido, was

born on November 16, 1999. He is a native of Barangay San

Fernando, Las Navas Northern Samar. He is the sixth child of

Mr. Enrique C. Tendido and Mrs. Judith J. Empalmado. He is a

certified Lola’s boy being raised by his grandmother when he

was young.

He took his primary education at San Fernando

Elementary School. He obtained his secondary education at

Las Navas National High School. In the six years he spent in

the institution, he is engaged and exposed to different

learning opportunities such as trainings, workshops,

leadership summit, etc. With these experiences and

exposures, he emerged as a leader and a youth advocate in

the municipality.

He is an avid fan of Korean Drama, that he can even

sacrifice not to sleep in one day just to finish a series he

is watching. Aside from that he is also fond of writing

poems and siday ever since he was in high school. He finds

writing poems as a friend wherein his rants and emotions are

embraced and kept without being judged by anyone.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers wish to give their heartfelt thanks and

gratitude to the following people whom without their help

and encouragement this humble work would have not made

possible.

Foremost, to Almighty God, for all the blessings,

wisdom, and guidance in making this thesis a success, who

have given the researchers a sound body and mental health

essential to the completion of this humble accomplishment.

To our thesis adviser, Dr. Anatolia B. Basista, the

Chair of Department of Languages and Communication who never

gets tired of saying “Pagsumat gad kam kun ngain kam

kinukurian, nanu iyo problema, kay pag didi sa eskwelahan

kami iyo Nanay.” For sharing the expertise in providing

invaluable guidance and input throughout this research.

Despite the hectic schedule, she was able to accommodate the

researchers’ concerns and queries. For editing and

continuously scrutinizing our thesis so that errors and

mistakes will be corrected and harnessed. For her additional

inputs that make this research more refined and her wise
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advice that encouraged the researchers to finish their work.

Your dedication and passion in helping your students fulfill

their dreams brought us closer in this educational

institution. Her dynamism, wisdom, and dedication, the

researchers were able to come up with an epithet to call her

“The Power of Amazing Ma’am Anne.”

To the panel of examiners, the Director for

Instruction, Dr. Leonila A. Longcop, the Program Coordinator

of Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Dr. Gladys G.

Mangada, and Director of Instruction Staff, Dr. Anavil Lou

B. Tulin. The researchers are extremely grateful for all the

inputs and insightful comments in refining our study. During

the defense, the researchers are totally astounded with

lessons you have shared to us and we can’t help but say

“Epek talaga at panel!”

To our research professor, Prof. Jay Neil G. Verano for

the patience you have rendered in checking our thesis

manuscript. The researchers are indeed thankful for the

valuable critic which is a big help for us to revise and

improve our study.

–The
Researchers

To mama and papa, thank you for letting me dream big

despite my health issues. You’re the best parents for

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letting me enjoy my life and do what I want. To my siblings,

thank you for sacrificing too much for me and please know

that I appreciate the edited family pictures that I never

attended but still you have my picture inserted to it. To

Lolo Wilejado, I love you! To my friends and bestfriends, I

know I missed a lot of events and celebrations but thank you

for understanding. To A, we no longer talk but thank you for

still being with me. To my Alien, thank you for being my

rock. To GTF Youth, your ate is okay, thank you for your

prayers. To my research ladies Nori and PSJ, thank you for

understanding. I will cherish the moments we have shared

together. I love you both as much as I love eating with you!

-Ricah
Arcino

To Nanay Enggay, who always tells me amazing stories of

a brave woman who led her tribe against invaders, that I,

myself can also be courageous and kind like her in facing

all the swords and spears of life; bled blood but took them

as spurs to more strenuous efforts. This is for you and I

love you so much!

-Noraisza
Pura
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To Nanay and Tatay, “Dali nala mayaun nakam ika-unom

nga gradwar na anak.” Thank you for the moral and spiritual

support you have given me. To my seven siblings, especially

to Meryl and Meriam, you two are amazing! Words may not be

enough to express how lucky I am to have angels who

supported me financially and morally. To my cousin who is

considered as my constant friend, Ela. Despite your

attitude, thanks a lot for being my outlet of emotion during

those times when I’m about to give up. “Pabay-e itun sira,

ayaw pag-inasa, laban la!” for boosting my morale and

confidence; you deserve to be acknowledged.

Lastly, to Korean Drama World, thank you for setting my

life lighter and romantic. The oppas there inspired me to

believe that world is better place to live with. Maybe

studying in this university would be excellent because of

pure academic involvement but thanks to Kdrama for bringing

spark in my heart. Every time my body does not sound okay

anymore, stressed of “thesis-ing” thank you for embracing

me. Jeongmal gamsahamnida! To the person whom I often talk

with, please know that your encouragement driven me to do

better when you said “Upaya nga makagradwar ka, kay karuyag

ko sayo ak san magsabit saim medalya”. Thank you for being

my “Tahanan”, Ily!
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-Jose
Tendido

DEDICATION

This study is wholeheartedly dedicated

to our beloved parents,

who have served as our eyes of motivation

to continue the fight amidst all the difficulties

in life. When we have reached the point of giving up,

thank you for carrying us in your back.

For the gift of life, strength, and wisdom,

all the praises and glory to You,

Oh Lord God.

To our friends, classmates,

and relatives,

To our thesis adviser,

Our thesis professor,

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CAC family

This humble work is dedicated to all of you.

-The Researchers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARTS PAGE NUMBER

Title Page ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………i

Approval Sheet …………………………………………………………………………………………………ii
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………iii
Biographical Sketch………………………………………………………………………………………vi
Acknowledgment …………………………………………………………………………………………………ix
Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………xiii
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………xiv
List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………………xvi
List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………………………………xvii

CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study ……………………………………………………1
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………5
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Objectives of the Study ……………………………………………………6

Significance of the Study ………………………………………………7
Scope and Limitation ……………………………………………………………9
Theoretical Framework …………………………………………………………10
Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………………15
Paradigm of the Study …………………………………………………………16
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………………17

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

Characteristics of Slang …………………………………………………22
The Slang Forms …………………………………………………………………………24
Content Analysis Framework ……………………………………………25
The Functions of Slang ………………………………………………………26
Reasons for Using Slang ……………………………………………………29
Internet Slang ……………………………………………………………………………32

III METHODOLOGY
Locale of the Study ………………………………………………………………42
Research Design …………………………………………………………………………43
The Data ……………………………………………………………………………………………43
Data Gathering Procedure …………………………………………………44
Data Analysis ………………………………………………………………………………45

IV Presentation, Analysis & Interpretation of Data

Slang Expressions ……………………………………………………………………46
Forms of Collected Slang Expressions …………………49
Contextual analysis of slang expressions ………68
The Wrong Talk Funny One ……………………………………68
The Shortened Form ……………………………………………………83
The Interjection Form ……………………………………………90
The Reinvented Form …………………………………………………117
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V Summary, Conclusions, Implications and

Recommendations
Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………149
Conclusions and Implications ………………………………………151
Recommendations …………………………………………………………………………154

LIST OF TABLES

Table No.
1 Slang Expressions 47
2.1 The Wrong Talk Funny One 52
2.2 The Shortened Form 54
2.3 The Interjection Form 60
2.4 The Reinvented Form 66
3 Contextual Analysis of Slang Expressions 136
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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No.
1 Schematic Diagram 16
2 Content Analysis Framework 26

BIBLIOGRAPHY 159
APPENDICES 171
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