Linguistic mechanisms of argot formation (based on the argot of Russian speaking drug users)

this article tackles the problem of the primary linguistic mechanisms used in argotism formation, the research is based on the lexicon of Russian-speaking drug users. The aim of the work is to examine the productive word-formation methods that ensure the development and functioning of this sociolect. The article analyses place of argot within language variability within the framework of sociolinguistic approach, with an emphasis on diastratic stratification, determined by the social belonging of language speakers. Special attention is paid to productive word-formation processes such as semantic transformations (metaphor, metonymy), derivational models (affixation, affixless method), borrowings (including Anglicisms and elements of criminal argot), and onomatopoeia. The analysis of examples demonstrates that the argot of drug users represents a complex and systemically organized linguistic subsystem, actively utilizing universal language resources for the realization of specific social functions, such as group member identification, conspiracy, and the expression of group identity. The research emphasizes the role of argot in creating a unique communicative space, reflecting the socio-cultural specificities of this environment.

argot, sociolects, language variability, diastratic variability, word-formation mechanisms, semantic transformations, derivation, borrowings, onomatopoeia, conspiracy function