Jargon is any specific word or phrase used by people who belong to a particular profession or field. Of late, most language experts have come to believe that it is best to avoid jargon while writing and speaking unless it is necessary. It is ideal to use plain language to avoid confusion. However, when it comes to academic writing or other forms of scholarly writing, some say that jargon usage is inevitable.
Definition
The Cambridge dictionary defines jargon as “special words and phrases that are used by particular groups of people, especially in their work.”
While these special words and phrases are often used to impress people, jargon intimidates people and throws a spoke in the wheel of effective communication.
Below are some examples of different types of jargon and also some alternatives that can be used in their place to write better.
Types of Jargon
1. Medical Jargon
Examples:
- Alleviate – “Alleviate,” in plain language, means “to lessen.” Instead of “alleviate,” try using “reduce.”
- Ailment – “Ailment,” in plain language, means ”illness.” Instead of “ailment,” try using “disease.”
- Stat – “Stat,” in plain language, means “without further delay.” Instead of “stat,” try using “immediately.”
2. Legal Jargon
Examples:
- Putative – “Putative,” in plain language, means “supposed.” Instead of “putative,” try using “alleged.”
- Comply with – “Comply with” in plain language, means “follow.” Instead of “comply with,” try using “obey.”
- Desist – “Desist,” in plain language, means “abstain.” Instead of “desist,” try using “refrain.”
3. Academic Jargon
Examples:
- Elucidate – “Elucidate,” in plain language, means “to clarify.” Instead of “elucidate,” try using “explain.”
- For the purpose of – “For the purpose of,” in plain language, means “for.” Instead of “for the purpose of,” try using “for.”
- Dichotomy – “Dichotomy,” in plain language, means “difference between two things.” Instead of “dichotomy,” try using “contrast.”
4. Military Jargon
Examples:
- Field op – “Field op,” in plain language, means “field operations.” Instead of “field op,” try using “training exercise.”
- Fugazi – “Fugazi,” in plain language, means “an out-of-control situation.” Instead of “fugazi,” try using “a problematic situation.”
- Gone Elvis – “Gone Elvis,” in plain language, means “missing in action.” Instead of “Gone Elvis,” try using “missing.”
5. Corporate Jargon
Examples:
- Synergy – “Synergy,” in plain language, means “a combination of two or more ideas, concepts, etc.” Instead of “synergy,” try using “combination” or “collaboration.”
- Ideate – “Ideate,” in plain language, means “to come up with an idea.” Instead of “ideate,” try using “envision.”
- Paradigm shift – “Paradigm shift,” in plain language, means “change.” Instead of “paradigm shift,” try using “a significant change.”
6. Scientific Jargon
Examples:
- Concur – “Concur,” in plain language, means “to approve of something.” Instead of “concur,” try using “agree.”
- Consensus – “Consensus,” in plain language, means “a general agreement.” Instead of “consensus,” try using “agreement.”
- Atypicality – “Atypicality,” in plain language, means “unusual.” Instead of “atypicality,” try using “irregularity.”
7. Financial Jargon
Examples:
- Price point – “Price point,” simply, means “price.” Instead of “price point,” try using “price.”
- Optimize – “Optimize,” in plain language, means “to make something better.” Instead of “optimize,” try using “improve.”Bang for the buck – “Big bang for the buck,” in plain language, means “something that is worth the money paid.” Instead of “bang for the buck,” try using “worth the money.”
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Jargon
Advantages
- Fosters a sense of community: People belonging to the same profession can communicate with each other using jargon, which promotes a sense of belonging to a particular group of professionals.
- Sounds professional: When used properly, jargon can make branding exercises easy for marketing professionals.
- Adds credibility: While writing scholarly articles such as research papers, using certain words or phrases specific to a profession or field helps the writer establish their authority on the subject.
Disadvantages
- Acts as a communication barrier: While jargon is useful when communicating with people from the same profession, it can make communicating with those who are not familiar with words specific to the profession or field tricky.
- Creates confusion: Jargon can be difficult to understand, which could lead to misunderstandings and confusion.
- Affects searchability: Business owners who are interested in improving their brand identity should use clear language to communicate. If they have an online website or business listing, they should use simple words to make sure that their business can be discovered by people who search for relevant products and services. In such cases, it is important to avoid jargon and instead use plain, readable language.
Tips to Avoid Jargon
Following are some tips to avoid jargon usage while writing:
- Know your audience: If you’re writing a scientific or research paper targeted at a specific audience that belongs to a certain profession, then it is okay to use jargon. However, if you’re writing for a broader audience, then it helps to keep your writing plain and simple. For instance, if you’re writing a blog post or an essay, then using simple language can help you reach more people.
- Offer clarity: If you can’t avoid using jargon, then make sure to provide proper explanations to help readers understand not just the meaning of a word or a phrase, but also the context in which it is used.
- Keep it simple: Using simple, readable language will help you retain readers’ interest. Jargon can intimidate readers, which could lead to readers losing interest in your piece of writing.
In conclusion, to keep your readers hooked and interested, write in plain language instead of resorting to using language that is difficult to understand. Avoid using cliches and jargon, which can make you seem lazy and pretentious. Instead, use simple, colorful language and get creative while writing.
