The word "jargon" (/ˈdʒɑːɡən/) refers to technical or specialized language used by a particular group or profession. It is spelled with a "j" and not a "g" because it comes from the Old French word "jargon" which means "unintelligible talk." The pronunciation of the "a" in "jargon" is similar to the "a" in "father" and the emphasis is on the first syllable. Jargon can be difficult for non-experts to understand, so it's important to explain it in plain language when communicating with a wider audience.
Jargon is a specialized or technical language that is used by people in a particular profession, industry, or specific social group. It may consist of words, phrases, acronyms, or abbreviations that are specific to that particular field and may not be easily understood by outsiders or those who are unfamiliar with the subject matter. The purpose of jargon is to facilitate communication within that specific group, as it allows individuals to quickly convey complex ideas or concepts to others who are knowledgeable in the same field.
Jargon is often characterized by its brevity, precision, and efficiency. It serves as a shorthand way for professionals to communicate with one another, saving time and effort in explaining concepts that are already widely understood within the group. However, this specialized language can also create barriers between insiders and outsiders, making it difficult for those not familiar with the jargon to fully comprehend discussions or contribute meaningfully to conversations within that field.
While jargon can enhance communication within a specific context, it can also be seen as exclusionary or elitist in nature, as it excludes those who do not possess the specialized knowledge or understanding of the particular field. Therefore, it is important for professionals to be mindful of their use of jargon and to make efforts to explain and clarify any technical terms or concepts when communicating with individuals who may not be familiar with the specific jargon of their field.
Paraphasia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Confused, unintelligible talk; gabble; a disparaging term applied to rude and harsh language.
• A mineral, being a Cingalese variety of zircon, colourless specimens of which are often sold for diamonds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "jargon" originated from Old French "jargon" or "jargoun", which referred to a mixture of languages or unintelligible speech. It is believed to have been derived from the Italian word "giargone", meaning "chatter" or "jibber-jabber". The exact origins of the term are unclear, but it is speculated to have developed in the 14th century, possibly influenced by the sound of incomprehensible speech or non-native languages. Over time, "jargon" broadened in meaning to refer to technical or specialized terminology used within specific groups or professions.