The Catcher in the Rye is narrated in a subjective style from the point of view of Holden Caulfield, following his exact thought processes. There is flow in the seemingly disjointed ideas and episodes; for example, as Holden sits in a chair in his dorm, minor events, such as picking up a book or looking at a table, unfold into discussions about experiences.
Critical reviews affirm that the novel accurately reflected the teenage colloquial speech of the time.[15] Words and phrases that appear frequently include:[16]
- "Flitty" – homosexual
- "Give her the time" – sexual intercourse
- "Necking" – kissing, hugging, and caressing passionately
- "Phony" – people who are dishonest or fake about who they really are[17]
- "Prince" – a fine, generous, helpful fellow (often used in sarcastic fashion)
- "Rubbernecks" – people who turn their heads to gaze in curiosity
- "Snowing" – deceiving, misleading, or winning over by glib talk, flattery, etc.
