What term describes very informal language that is typically vivid, playful, and short-lived?

The term that best describes very informal language that is typically vivid, playful, and short-lived is slang. Slang consists of expressions or words that are often used within particular social groups or subcultures and can change rapidly. This makes slang particularly dynamic and reflective of cultural trends. Unlike colloquialisms, which can endure and are often regionally specific, slang tends to be more transient and can capture the creativity and humor of language in informal settings.

Colloquialisms refer to informal language that is specific to a certain region or community but may not have the same vividness or playful quality as slang. Dialect refers to the variety of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group, showcasing broader grammatical, vocabulary, and pronunciation aspects rather than just informal expressions. Jargon is specialized terminology often used within specific professions or fields, lacking the playful and informal characteristics associated with slang. Thus, slang is the most accurate term that describes language marked by its informal, vivid, and ephemeral nature.