What is tin? The origin and definition of the word "tin"

Some slang concepts and expressions may be completely inaccessible to the understanding of the person who first encountered them. What is "tin", and why is this word used for almost any reason? Where did it come from, and how to understand it correctly?

tin what is

Different types of tin

If you look at the dictionaries, then first of all it turns out that we are talking about a thinly rolled sheet of steel covered with a layer of tin. Initially, it was a rather expensive type of metal, tin was made manually, but with the automation of production, the cost began to plummet. Tin cans, cheap utensils, roofing materials were made from this type of metal. In this regard, the word "tin" has acquired a dismissive color - the so-called cheap "folk" cars. What does the expression “tin” mean now?

First of all, this is a predicate - a word from the category of state. For example, “scary” or “insulting” are predicative adverbs. The phrase “it’s light in the soul” uses a predicate, which means not literal light, but only a similar emotional feeling. These words make it possible to figuratively convey the state of mind, the emotional connotation of perception. In the same sense, the word "tin" is used. What can such a concept mean if it is still not about metal rolling or products from it?

what is tin

Slang concept

When trying to find out what exactly the interlocutor has in mind, saying "tin!" in response to some events, it is worth paying attention to intonation. The famous Elochka the Cannibal from the book “Twelve Chairs” had a similar word - “horror”. It meant indignation, delight, surprise, and generally anything depending on the situation.

What is tin? It is a similar concept that can mean anything. In most cases, we mean an emotional reaction to something that goes beyond the usual and the average.

Origin

Why exactly tin, what led to tracing from the name of a thin sheet of metal coated with tin? Presumably, this derivative of “hard” is an earlier slang expression that defines the color of events, conversations or some other phenomena. For example, to express a refusal in an unambiguous and categorical tone, which does not imply a different reading - clearly, uncompromisingly and unequivocally.

Soon the exclamation of "tough!" moved into the category of nouns, so the word "hardcore" appeared (emphasis on the last syllable). “This is some kind of tough guy” - the expression was used in the same cases, but here, probably, the concepts “harsh” and “cruel” were combined, so they started to talk about something terrible as well. By the principle of simplification and tracing, the word “tin” appeared from this concept.

meaning of the word tin

Emotional color

Most often, the question “what is tin” appears among Internet users who have not yet mastered slang expressions in full. Having received such a brief comment in response to a message, the user cannot understand whether it was praised or scolded, what did the interlocutor mean? Moreover, young people have such a question less often, because this expression is part of youth slang and is often found in verbal communication.

Text communication on forums, in social networks or in messengers does not allow you to catch the emotional color of the phrase, if it is not accompanied by an appropriate smile. What is tin? The definition of the meaning of exclamation is closely related to intonation. In the vast majority of cases, this is precisely the emotional inclusion in the situation, which can be translated as “wow!” or "a nightmare, I really sympathize with you."

what does expression tin mean

Analogies and semantic synonyms

Almost any slang expression can choose an analogy or a synonym, it is not forbidden to put them side by side without fear of redundancy. Emoticons, special icons and accompanying words largely determine the ability to understand. What is tin, we have already figured out. Now let's figure out how to replace this word if necessary.

“Tin! What will you do now? ” - unequivocal sympathy and interest of the interlocutor. If you are going to express your emotional involvement in a positive way, then you can replace it with the words “class”, “cool” and other derivatives, up to “coolness”. If marked "tin!" supplied with a shocking video, it’s literally “horror, see what’s being done.”

what is tin definition

Appropriateness of use

Any slang expressions are inappropriate in business correspondence, this would be a direct violation of etiquette. Moreover, the slang meaning of the word "tin" allows you to use this concept in fiction, in author's articles with the assumption of expressive expressions. Of course, personal correspondence is not regulated so strictly, but it is worth considering the age of the interlocutor, so that you do not have to explain the meaning of each word. According to the rules of etiquette, the younger interlocutor adapts to the older, and not vice versa. This principle is also valid for oral dialogue, the absence of slang expressions emphasizes respectful attitude.

Of particular note is such a specific area as the speech of an official, politician or official. The use of slang expressions does not make the speaker “closer to the people”, but demonstrates the incompetence and lack of a sense of proportion. If "tin" appeared in the speech through the efforts of a speechwriter, then it is better not to involve this specialist in the work.

The imagery and liveliness of slang expressions allows you to build a unique emotional context. But as an artistic device, “tin” and other youth words should be used very carefully and in small doses.

Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/E13800/


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