Jargon

Noun

Definition: Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.

Synonyms: Slang, Lingo, Terminology

Antonyms: Plain language, Common speech

Examples:

The engineers were discussing the project using technical jargon.
The doctor used medical jargon that confused the patient.

Mnemonics:

"Jargon" sounds like "jar gone", representing words that are unfamiliar or "gone" from common knowledge.
Think of "jargon" as a "jar" of specialized words that only specific groups have access to.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English (originally meaning ‘chatter, twittering’): from Old French jargoun, from Old Italian giargone, based on Arabic az-zahr ‘the zodiac, luck’.

Historical Usage:

The word "jargon" originally meant "chatter" or "twittering" before its meaning shifted to refer to specialized language.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Cut through the jargon"

Explanation:

To simplify or explain something using plain language, removing complex or technical terminology.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "jargon" with "slang".

Explanation:

While both "jargon" and "slang" refer to specialized language, jargon is specific to professions or groups, while slang is informal language used by certain social groups.