French word

jargon

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒaʁgɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounjargon

Example

Le jargon médical complique la communication.

Medical jargon complicates communication.

Illustration for jargon (jargon)

More examples

Éviter le jargon facilite la compréhension.

Avoiding jargon makes it easier to understand.

Core concept

A coded layer of language within a group, made of terms and phrases that insiders understand without explanation.

Common phrases

  • jargon technique

    technical jargon

  • jargon médical

    medical jargon

  • jargon professionnel

    professional jargon

Similar words

vocabulaire: The words and terms used in a specific area of study or work.
terme: A word or phrase used to name a concept or object.
mot: One meaningful word in a language.
expression: A group of words forming a particular phrase or wording.

Definition in French

Vocabulaire spécialisé utilisé au sein d'un milieu (profession, loisir, communauté) pour communiquer rapidement entre initiés, souvent opaque pour les étrangers au milieu.

Word origin

Jargon is inherited from Middle French jargon, whose earlier sense involved birdsong or unintelligible speech and later extended to specialized group language.

Usage tips

  • Jargon can sound critical when it suggests needless obscurity, while vocabulaire spécialisé is more neutral.

Opposites

  • clartéclaritynoun
  • langage couranteveryday languagenoun

Word lists with this word