Definition

Jargon is 'the technical vocabulary of a profession or group'.

The word is used as a form of criticism when such terms are used unnecessarily for communication outside a group.

Examples

legal		probate, conveyance, intestate
computers		download, Megabyte, serial port
engineering		sprocket, crankshaft, centrifuge
gardening		mulch, perennial, phlox

Use

Jargon can be a useful form of communication between members of the same group. It acts as a 'shorthand' which eliminates the need for lengthy explanations.

The most important thing about jargon is that it should only be used when communicating with people in the same group.

Some items of jargon eventually pass into common use because they seem to fill a need. Terms such as own-goal [from football] or repression [from psycho-analysis] were once jargon.

There is nothing wrong when jargon is used amongst members of the same group. It often acts as a sort of 'shorthand', which eliminates the need for lengthy explanations.

For instance, the foreman in a garage does not need to write on a mechanic's worksheet:

'Please regulate the device which provides a constant supply of petrol to the inlet manifold of the engine.'

He writes 'Adjust the carbuettor' – or even 'Fix the carb'.

However, when you are communicating with people outside a group, you should use jargon as little as possible.

The term jargon in its most negative sense describes the use of technical or obscure terms when addressing a general audience.

For instance, what follows is a sentence in a letter from the Inland Revenue. It is addressed to ordinary members of the public.

• The basis of assessment for Schedule D Case I and II, other than commencement and cessation, is what is termed a previous year basis.

Academic study has its own jargon too, depending upon the subject in question. Terms such as hegemony (political philosophy) discourse analysis (linguistics) and objective correlative (literary studies) would not be recognisable by an everyday reader, though they might be understood by someone studying the same subject.

Whatever the jargon of your own discipline, it should be used with precision, accuracy, and above all restraint.

Eric Partridge quotes the following example to illustrate the difference between a statement in technical and non-technical form:

• 'Chlorophyll makes food by photosynthesis.'
• 'Green leaves build up food with the aid of light.'

Only use the specialised terms of your subject if you are quite sure of their meaning. Never use jargon to show off or 'impress' your reader. It is likely to create the opposite effect.

Do not use a jargon term where perfectly ordinary terms will be just as effective. There is not much virtue in using terms such as aerated beverages instead of fizzy drinks. These simply cause disruptions in tone and create a weak style.

Here is an even more pretentious example, spotted recently:

"Enjoy your free sample of our moisturising cleansing bar"

...in other words - our soap.

NB! There is often a very fine line between jargon [salary] and pretentious nonsense
[personal remuneration package].

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