1980’S1980’s

Communication

One of the main influences on language change throughout the 1980’s was the rapid advances in communication, 50% of UK household had a telephone meaning they could be in contact with people from all parts of the world.

In 1985, Microsoft invented windows (not the transparent glass imbedded in a wall!) and 1989 the World Wide Web was invented, this meant publication could be viewed world wide, so this created a whole new semantic field surrounding computers and the internet.

The Thatcher Era

1979-1990 saw Margaret Thatcher PM of Great Britain

Thatcher privatised many of the state owned businesses.

Deindustrialisation led to structural unemployment as the dynamics of the economy changed, careers in physical trades such as mining suffered and academic jobs increased. Unemployment went from 1.5M to 2.5Mil within a year

Skilled workers were left jobless and the need for education and academic qualifications increased.

Music

Michael Jackson Blondie David Bowie Wham! Robert Palmer Soft Cell Duran Duran Spandau Ballet

Billie JeanHeart of GlassChangesClub TropicanaAddicted to LoveTainted LoveRioGold

Attitudes towards homosexuality

80’s Slang

The majority of slang introduced in the 80’s was a result of the media. Mainly through TV and music.

Positive Connotations Phat, awesome, wicked, bad, fresh Negative connotations Fag, queer, dweeb, lame Others Chill, crack, do the nasty, new wave