jargon language definition communication list use terms

22 Examples of JargonSimplicable GuideRelated GuidesRelated TopicsSite Map| |posted by John Spacey, February 11, 2016 updated on December 19, 2018 Jargon is language that is specific to a context such that it is not in broadusage. This can include distinct vocabulary, syntax and semantics. Thefollowing are illustrative examples of jargon.## ProfessionalLanguage that is specific to a profession. For example, project managers usethe term full-time equivalent to measure the labor required by a project.## IndustryTerms used by an industry such as the use of rack rate in the travel industryto refer to the regular price of a room before discounts. It is typicallyunderstood that it is rare for anyone to actually pay the rack rate.## BusinessBusiness jargon are terms that are used across multiple industries andprofessions. For example, management buzzwords such as best practice.## TechnicalVocabulary that emerges around technologies including words to describe thedesign, operation, maintenance and use of technology. This is an extremelybroad category of jargon as areas such as networking, operating systems,infrastructure, databases, software development, software architecture,artificial intelligence, robotics, user interface design and informationsecurity all have their own rich vocabularies that are familiar to many ITprofessionals. Beyond this, there is also jargon that is specific toproprietary technologies that can be extremely obscure.## AcronymsA common feature of jargon is the use of acronyms. This is often done to makecommunication more efficient, particularly for long phrases that arefrequently used. However, it is common for people to find acronyms dull andirritating, even if they understand them. Acronyms are also an unnecessaryform of jargon that make your communications less accessible without addingmeaning to your message.## CodesIn some cases, jargon includes non-language elements such as numerical codes.For example, a police force may use numerical codes to identify situations andinstructions to police.## OrganizationalFirms often develop their own language to describe things such as systems,applications, processes, procedures, products, services, locations andstrategies. In some cases, a long term employee assumes that organizationalterms are industry terms and therefore has difficulty communicating to peersin the same industry.## TeamsIt is possible for extended vocabularies to emerge within a single team thatis unfamiliar to their organization or anyone else. For example, a softwaredevelopment team may develop a language to describe their APIs and systems.Learning this language becomes a means of gaining acceptance into the team aspart of the team culture.Words and language conventions that evolve around an art. For example,architecture has an extremely rich vocabulary to describe architecturalelements and designs such as parti pris, the organizing idea behind anarchitectural design.Language is an element of culture that is also generated by culture at thelevel of society, traditional culture, subculture and super culture. Forexample, a music subculture may develop its own vocabulary to describe musicalgenres, styles and events.## SportsEach sport has its own vocabulary to describe everything from equipment tostrategy. For example, sailing has hundreds of terms that are mostlyunfamiliar to people with no sailing experience.## SlangSlang is language that is inventive and informal. This often starts within asubculture or profession. Slang can progress to become regular language withtime.## MedicalMedicine is an extremely broad and complex domain that has its own languagethat is understood by researchers, doctors, nurses and other medicalprofessionals. This is often unfamiliar to patients who may requireexplanations in plain language.## LegaleseLegal documents and communications demand precision, consistency, completenessand soundness that require a unique vocabulary, syntax and semantics.## AcademicSciences and other academic fields typically have a distinct vocabulary thatis used to capture both broad abstract concepts and fine details that arespecific to a domain.## NomenclatureNomenclature is a system, style or set of rules for developing new language ina domain. In many cases, these are international standards or best practicesthat are widely observed. For example, the International Code of ZoologicalNomenclature is used for the scientific naming of animals.## ArgotArgot is the use of jargon to prevent outsiders from understandingconversations or documents. For example, a technology professional who usesobscure technical terms to make it more difficult for business units tochallenge what they are saying.## Social InclusionKnowledge of jargon can symbolize social inclusion and belonging. For example,if you walk up to a bunch of sailors and can talk sailing you may instantlyfit in.## Social ExclusionJargon can be used to exclude someone from a conversation to highlight theiroutside status. For example, an investment banker who uses jargon to highlighttheir superior position in a firm relative to another employee by usingtrading jargon the individual is unlikely to understand.Inside jokes are often based on jargon. This can be used both for socialinclusion and exclusion to celebrate your connectedness or exclude someonefrom a conversation.Intelligence is a form of social status. In some cases, people will useobscure words to simulate intelligence in an attempt to boost their socialstatus.## ShibbolethA shibboleth is an element of language that clearly marks you as an insider oroutsider. For example, if you can’t pronounce Tchoupitoulas Street then youmay not be considered a local in New Orleans. ## CommunicationThis is the complete list of articles we have written about communication.If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.A list of communication techniques.The difference between intrapersonal and interpersonal explained. The definition of shibboleth with examples. A list of common types of emotion.The common types of communication skill. Examples of communication plans. A list of communication planning techniques.A list of measurable communication goals with examples. 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