Why is slang especially connected with age groups and changing fashions?

Slang is deeply connected to age groups and changing fashions because its primary function is to promote group solidarity and establish a distinct identity. By using fresh, unique, and often irreverent language, members of a specific demographic—particularly younger generations—can signal their belonging to a subculture while distancing themselves from the values of the dominant culture.123

Because the effectiveness of slang relies on its ability to remain "fresh and distinctive," it is subject to rapid turnover. Once a term becomes too widely known or loses its "edge" through overuse, it ceases to serve its purpose of marking an exclusive group identity, leading to its decline or adoption into the standard lexicon. This high rate of obsolescence is why slang is inherently linked to fashion; just as clothing styles change, slang terms quickly become dated, often appearing as "anachronisms" within a decade. Consequently, the constant creation of new slang is a social necessity for groups seeking to maintain their unique linguistic boundaries.134