The aim of this study is to reveal the slang vocabulary found in Orhan Kemal’s works that expresses various characteristics of the characters (physical, moral, and behavioral characteristics, personality, age, economic status, etc.) and to make assessments regarding them. Based on an analysis of 21 works written by the author in the form of novels and short stories, 127 slang terms used in this context were identified. These slang expressions were evaluated under four main headings and 16 subheadings according to their meanings. The evaluation revealed that slang expressions were concentrated in areas with highly negative connotations, such as stupidity, rudeness, immorality, trickery, uselessness, indecency, prostitution, and thuggery. In conclusion, it was understood that Orhan Kemal’s quality-describing slang vocabulary provides important clues about the characters’ educational levels, social environments, moral situations, and personalities.

Turkish, slang, vocabulary, Orhan Kemal.