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For Wikipedia jargon, see Wikipedia:Glossary. For hacker slang, see Jargon File. For the gemstone, see Jargoon.
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Jargon encompasses a number of specific and related definitions which results in a broad flexibility in the way the term is actually used. According to Merriam-Webster, a range of plausibly pejorative definitions are predominant amongst these alternate meanings for the jargon or characteristic idiomatic words and phrases which are associated with special activities or groups. Other dictionaries ascribe no connotations the language and especially the vocabulary which is peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or group, although pejorative alternate definitions of jargon are noted. In other words, the term covers the language used by people who work in a particular area or who have a common interest -- as in Wikipedia editors, contributors, surgeons, etc. The specialized wiki-jargon of specialized terms and expressions which may not be comprehensible to the outsider, or could involve the use of familiar words with different meanings as well as abbreviations, acronyms, etc. as jargon.

Jargon is terminology which has been especially defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, or group. Much like slang it develops as a kind of shorthand, to quickly express ideas that are frequently discussed between members of a group. In many cases a standard term may be given a more precise or unique usage among practitioners of a field. In many cases this may cause a barrier to communication as many may not understand.

Contents

Uses of jargon

 Please help improve this section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (October 2008)

Jargon is used in several fields, among which some are:

  • Sports: One can find Jargon just by watching a sports broadcast, where commentators will often use jargon specific to the game which may hold little or no meaning to those not familiar with the sport. These often refer to formations (i.e. the "nickel" defensive football formation), moves (such as "juking" or "deking"), or penalties (such as "spiking", "icing" or "slashing")
  • Religion: Jargon is sometimes, though infrequently, used to refer to concepts within the belief systems of organized religion.
  • Medicine: Particularly in the operating room or under emergency conditions, particular jargons have developed that allow medical professionals to communicate quickly and effectively where common language would take much longer. In the medical field it largely involves the Latin (or Latinized) terms for common words and phrases and also serves a euphemistic purpose as the term, being unknown to the patient, is less forceful than words the patient would understand.citation needed
  • Critical Theory: Each branch of critical theory tends to develop its own highly-formalized terminology, more commonly called a critical vocabulary.
  • Information Technology and the Internet: Computer and programming jargons used by computer scientists, programmers, system architects, enthusiasts and hackers to communicate. (See the Jargon File.) The proper usage of these words is a sometimes considered prerequisite for inclusion in these groups (leetspeak).
  • Nautical Terms, an example of an ancient form of jargon.
  • Politics: Jargon is used by ministers and commentators to refer to political strategies and tactics.

Legal jargon

Main article: Legal English
  • Legal English, sometimes derisively referred to as "Legalese", is the specialized vocabulary and usage of the legal profession.

Mathematical jargon

Main article: Mathematical jargon

Military jargon

Main article: Military slang

Scientific jargon

Main article: Scientific terminology

Pitfalls of jargon

In some cases jargon is used as a shibboleth to distinguish those who belong to a group from those who do not. This is sometimes called "guild" or "insider" jargon. Those unfamiliar with a subject can often be tagged by their incorrect use of jargon. The use of jargon by outsiders is considered by insiders to be audacious, since it constitutes a claim to membership of the insider group. Conversely, since outsiders may not see the reference made via jargon, they are all the more sensitive to its more visible elitist social framing. Jargon may be perceived as pedantic, nerdy, and divorced from meaning to outsiders.citation needed

See also

Look up Jargon in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

External links
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