Words / C1

JAHG-uh-n/ˈdʒɑːɡən/

Jargon is the special vocabulary of a trade or field: legal jargon, medical jargon. Slang is informal in-group talk; terminology can be the neutral twin. Gobbledegook is jargon that has become mush. Do not call a required technical term jargon as an insult when the consent form still has to stay plain for the public.

Meaning

Special words used by a profession or group, often hard for outsiders.

Examples

• “The protocol is in jargon; the consent form still has to be plain.”
• “The protocol may use jargon; the consent form still has to be readable at the door.”
• “Slang is casual; jargon is occupational. Terminology is the polite name for the same words when they are needed. A defined n is not jargon-for-show.”

Good to know

In-group specialist language. Everyday insult: gobbledegook. Neutral: terminology. Contrast: slang (informal). Plain language still wins for the public.

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