Examples of Jargon

Examples of jargon from the Internet would be LOL, BFF, and TTYL, for "Laugh Out Loud", “Best Friends Forever”, and “Talk To You Later.” Jargon is like shorthand between members of a particular group of people. 

Jargon

The word “jargon” has up to five definitions depending on which dictionary you use. It can mean jibberish, vague language, or specific dialects of a language or several languages, but the most common definition will be addressed. That would be the language and vocabulary that is peculiar to certain people in a trade, profession, or other group. 

The word “jargon” comes from a 14th century word for “twittering of birds” with the root word “garg” which forms other words like “gurgle” or “gargle.” If you are not a member of a certain group, and they are talking and using jargon, it could sound like they were twittering since you wouldn’t understand what they were saying. Jargonauts, who study jargon, feel that it came about just to make communication easier within a group, and there was no deceit intended.  

Jargon Versus Slang

Slang is more informal and includes made-up words, words that have been changed and exaggerated words. Sometimes slang is considered to be nonsense or unrefined language. The original meaning of “slang” was “rowdy or insulting language.” It possibly came from the French word “langue” for “language.”

Take the word “say.” It can be slang when used at the beginning of a sentence and would mean “tell me”, like “Say, what are you doing?”  Jargon is more prevalent with a certain group and can be quite technical. Here is one of the examples of jargon in medicine. A “bilateral probital hematoma” is jargon, and the slang expression of it is “black eye” or “shiner.”

Examples of Jargon

Sometimes people use jargon to appear more important or smarter than others or even to confuse people. This is because jargon is usually associated with the medical or legal profession. It can be used within sports or casual groups as well.

Following are some examples of jargon in various groups.

• In the medical field, “agonal” is a term to signify a major, negative change in a patient’s condition. BP means blood pressure, FX means fracture, and JT is a joint. Nothing by mouth is NPO, intramuscular is IM, and potassium is K.
• Examples of business slang include: “Bang for the buck” is getting a lot for your money, “due diligence” is doing research before purchasing or investing in a business, and “sweat equity” is receiving equity or ownership in the business instead of a salary.
• Police jargon would include “suspect” as a person whom the police think may have committed a crime, “10-4” means” OK”, or “got it”, “Code Eight” means an officer needs help immediately, “Code Eleven” means you are on the scene, and “FTP” means failure to pay a fine.
• The military has its own jargon, too. TDY is temporary duty, AWOL is absent without leave, SQDN is a squadron, SAM is surface to air missile, PCS is permanent change of station, and LES is leave and earning statement.
• Even politics has jargon that is used. Examples of jargon are “left wing” which refers to a liberal, progressive viewpoint, “getting on a soapbox” is making a speech in public, and “back benches” are non-executive members of the party.
• Lastly, the internet is full of jargon. BTW is by the way, CYA is see you around, FAQ is frequently asked questions, HTH is hope this helps, and MOTD is message of the day.

Pros and Cons

Whether you like it or not, jargon is here to stay. You can be at a disadvantage when you are not aware of the jargon being used, but if you are in a particular group or field, you will soon learn it. Jargon can make one person feel excluded from a group and many people criticize groups for using jargon for that very reason. It can make people suspicious, like the group is trying to hide something.  Many people have a problem with change, but language changes constantly and an effort must be made to adapt.  

One advantage to using jargon is that you will feel like you belong to a group. It can make conversing within a group easier, as you don’t have to explain in detail what you are talking about. Also, if you know jargon, it can show your expertise in a particular field, and may even help you get a job.