This reference work investigates the evolution, usage, and cultural context of slang and unconventional language within the American English lexicon. Tom Dalzell, a recognized lexicographer and expert in American slang, compiles extensive entries to document how informal language reflects social, political, and technological shifts. The dictionary provides a structured framework for understanding the nuances of non-standard English, offering definitions, etymologies, and historical usage examples for thousands of terms.

Linguists and educators frequently cite this volume as a foundational resource for the study of American vernacular. Readers often note the academic rigor and the extensive research required to document such a rapidly changing area of the English language.