Jargon

The Merriam Webster Dictionary definition for jargon is:

1 a : confused unintelligible language
b : a strange, outlandish, or barbarous language or dialect
c : a hybrid language or dialect simplified in vocabulary and grammar and used for communication between peoples of different speech
2 : the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group
3 : obscure and often pretentious language marked by circumlocutions and long words

Webster also includes the medical dictionary definition, which is:

1 : the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity, group, profession, or field of study

2 : unintelligible, meaningless, or incoherent speech (as that associated with Wernicke’s aphasia or some forms of schizophrenia)

These definitions seem very broad, but to summarize, jargon is a type of speech that is used in specific groups. This is quite similar to cant but these groups tend to be more prestigious and the words have more of a professional or practical meaning. It is a more sophisticated form of slang.

Examples of groups that use jargon are people in the medical field, business men, police, and political parties.

Medical Jargon

Medical jargon the type of language you may hear at a hospital or doctors office (or on a medical soap opera). As they are running down the hall talking over a gurney or trying to coordinate something in the hallway, you probably have no idea what they are saying. This is because they are using medical jargon. One can only understand it if they are in the medical field themself.

Examples of medical jargon:

Agonal – Term to signify a major, negative change in a patient’s condition
BP – Medical shorthand for blood pressure
FX – Medical jargon meaning bone fracture
JT – A joint
NPO – A patient should not take anything by mouth
IM – Intramuscular
K – The elemental symbol for potassium

Business Jargon

Business jargon is found in businesses all over, from giant corporations to small family owned stores. The jargon could be different depending on the business, however there are many words they all tend to use.

Examples of business jargon:

Bang for the buck – To get the most for your money
Due diligence – Putting effort into research before making a business decision
Sweat equity – Getting a stake in the business instead of pay
The 9-to-5 – A standard work day
Chief cook and bottle-washer – A person who holds many responsibilities

Police Jargon

Police Jargon is often the language heard over police radio transmitters. It is a quick way for them to relay the kind of situation they are dealing with or the kind of help they may need. They will also use jargon in order to address a person or their role.

Examples of police jargon:

Suspect – A person whom the police think may have committed a crime
10-4 – Radio jargon meaning Okay or I understand
Code Eight – Term that means officer needs help immediately
Code Eleven – A code that means the individual is at the scene of the crime
FTP – The failure of an individual to pay a fine
Assumed room temperature: An individual has died

Political Jargon

Political jargon is used in all sorts of political situations such as between lawyers, government officials or even those that are simply really interested in government. They are generally a term used for labeling something so that it is quick and short but are often used in normal conversation. However, other terms are more like acronyms and are used over communications such as texting.

Examples of police jargon: