It’s hard to imagine a world without slang, the very informal language that typically comes from a certain group and is more often spoken than written. Have you ever wondered where some of our slang terms come from? Why do some stick around while others quickly go out of style? And why do words like “cool” and “booze” stand the test of time?

Learn more about slang’s history and the unique social and adaptability factors that determine its longevity. For more thought-provoking stories and videos, check out WIRED’s newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.