Synonyms for

Jargon

Verb / ˈdʒɑ:rgʌn / Another word for jargon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

special words or expressions used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand

Synonyms & similar words

cant lingo vernacular argot jargoon patois slang slang lingo terminology vocabulary idiom patois argot cant jive shoptalk

Synonyms by register

Formal

terminology cant argot idiolect

Informal

lingo jive slang gibberish

Literary

vernacular patois

Antonyms

standard language plain speech common tongue general vocabulary layman's terms

Common collocations

  • technical jargon
  • medical jargon
  • legal jargon
  • computer jargon
  • business jargon
  • avoid jargon
  • understand the jargon

Word family

noun jargon

Usage note

Jargon refers to specialized language used by a particular group or profession, often difficult for outsiders to understand. It can be neutral but is sometimes used negatively to imply exclusivity or obscurity.

Example sentences

  1. The computer programmer used a lot of technical jargon in his presentation.
  2. I couldn't understand the scientific jargon in the article.
  3. The lawyer spoke in legal jargon that confused the jury.
  4. The parents were confused by the educational jargon used by the teacher.
  5. The chef used culinary jargon that was unfamiliar to me.

Quotes

  • 'Jargon is a necessary evil.' - Henry Petroski
  • 'The jargon of the professions is often the enemy of communication.' - James Bovard
  • 'Jargon hides understanding.' - Jim Highsmith

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