Word of the Week: Jargon

Jargon is a noun, but can also be used as a verb, jargon. Defined as technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject, the word jargon derives from either the French word gaggire (to chatter) or the Old French word jargon (chatter of birds). When the word jargon was used in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales written in 1392, Chaucer used the word to describe a sound made to resemble birds. 

Today, jargon is technical terminology specific to a group and allows for efficient communication between members. However, it’s recommended that jargon is avoided when writing or presenting to a diverse audience since it has the potential to exclude certain groups. 

Examples of jargon:

1. I need a doctor to room 17 stat. (stat meaning in a hurry)
2. The patient has acute hypertension (a condition that comes on suddenly)
3. Make sure all employees do their due diligence during the strategy session. (putting in effort before making a business decision)
4. 10-4 good buddy. (Okay or I understand)

Synonyms
Terminology, slang

Sentence
The speaker’s presentation was full of jargon because she was presenting to a highly trained group. 

Main source
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jargon

---

If interested in copy editing or proofreading services, email editingbychristina@gmail.com or visit visit editingbychristina.com.