jargon
What is Jargon? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples
Jargon Definition
Jargon (JAR-guhn) is a type of specialized language used within a particular field. When used positively, the term indicates a type of precise, technical language. When used negatively, jargon might suggest an overly complicated and pretentious way of speaking.
The term could come from the Latin for “incomprehensible chatter,” the Old French for “chatter of birds,” or the Middle English derivative of the word for “chattering” or “twittering.”
The History of Jargon
The first known appearance of the term in English is in Geoffrey Chaucer’s 15th-century text The Canterbury Tales, referring to the sound of birds. The term changed meaning between the medieval and colonial periods, referring to language used to bridge a language gap. This is the period during which jargon got its reputation as unintelligible language, and by the late 20th century, the term was used to indicate specialized language that’s incomprehensible to those outside the field.
Examples of Jargon
There are many examples of jargon in different fields of work and study.
- In ballet, a cabriole is a type of step in which the extended legs beat during a jump.
- In fencing, a derobement is when someone effectively avoids another person’s attempt to take their sword.
- In the corporate world, a deliverable is a project or task that must be completed on time to be verified by another individual or group.
- In poker, all in means the player is betting all of their chips in their current turn.
All of these terms may seem unfamiliar to someone outside the field but are understood by those who exist in that world.
Why Writers Use Jargon
Writers can use jargon for a few reasons involving both its positive and negative connotations. Firstly, they may be speaking to an audience within a particular field and are thus using the proper terminology to be as precise as possible and appear as an authority. Secondly, they may be attempting to emphasize the difficulty outsiders have with understanding a field’s particular language, thereby criticizing jargon. Finally, in literature, they may be trying to show a character’s knowledge (or lack thereof) in a particular field, or they may be using a character’s jargon to point out how such language is vague or inaccessible.
Jargon and Other Literary Devices
Jargon vs. Slang
Jargon and slang are sometimes confused because they’re both forms of language used within groups. However, while jargon tends to refer to language used within a particular field of work, study, or interest, slang has more to do with a subcultural group. An example of slang is using the word sickening in a positive way, which has its origins in the LGBTQ+ community. An example would be “Didn’t she look sickening last night? That gown was incredible.”
Jargon vs. Colloquialism
As with slang, jargon and colloquialism are often confused because of their group-specific usage. However, colloquialisms have a broader understanding within a culture or region in general, not a distinct field or subculture. Colloquialisms include proverbs and aphorisms, profanity, and regional and idiomatic sayings. An example of a colloquialism is the Southern phrase “Bless your heart.”
Jargon vs. Vernacular
Slang, vernacular, and colloquialism frequently intersect. Vernacular is the informal language of a particular group, culture, or region rather than that of a particular field. An example of vernacular is as follows: “That dress is so Disney princess.”
Jargon Outside of Literature
Jargon and Buzzwords
Jargon and buzzword are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight difference between them. A buzzword is jargon that’s now being used outside of its intended field, often in a vague or incorrect manner. These words sometimes become fashionable within business to impress or generate the interest of their audience. A few buzzwords are synergy, sea change, or think outside the box.
Jargon, Layman’s Terms, and Gatekeeping
The appearance of jargon outside of its original field and in different forms of writing has caused a backlash toward this specialized type of language. The argument is that those using this jargon are gatekeeping, or controlling, who can access this information by making it unintelligible to general audiences, also known as laypeople.
This negative connotation has resulted in audiences asking specialists to translate this information into more generalized terms, also known as layman’s terms. Most commonly, this criticism is directed toward those in academia or law since much of this information is relevant to a broad audience but is written in complex or pretentious language. Overall, the rule of thumb is for specialists to be aware of who the information affects and take care not to exclude them by making their language more accessible.
Examples of Jargon in Literature
1. Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit
In this scene, Arthur Clennam goes to the Circumlocution Department to find information on Mr. Dorrit, and Mr. Tite Barnacle responds to his inquiry thusly:
“The Circumlocution Department, sir,” Mr Barnacle replied, “may have possibly recommended--possibly--I cannot say--that some public claim against the insolvent estate of a firm or copartnership to which this person may have belonged, should be enforced. The question may have been, in the course of official business, referred to the Circumlocution Department for its consideration. The Department may have either originated, or confirmed, a Minute making that recommendation.” [bold for emphasis]
Earlier in the scene, the narrator remarks that the Circumlocution Department “never, on any account whatever” gave a “straightforward answer,” and this rings true here. Rather than directly answering the question, Mr. Barnacle stalls and uses jargon to obscure his response. In this case, the usage is purposefully vague since he insists that he “cannot say” what the Circumlocution Department has recommended.
2. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
At one point during Tom Robinson’s trial, we see Jem’s reaction:
All the spectators were as relaxed as Judge Taylor, except Jem. His mouth was twisted into a purposeful half-grin, and his eyes happy about, and he said something about corroborating evidence, which made me sure he was showing off. [bold for emphasis]
Jem uses legal language to emphasize his faith in his father’s argument in defense of Tom Robinson. However, Scout feels her older brother is simply using this language to give the impression of knowing where this trial is ultimately headed when the outcome is still uncertain.