lingo
6 synonyms for lingo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The specialized vocabulary or way of speaking used by a particular group, trade, or region; jargon.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lingo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
technical lingo
legal lingo
pick up the lingo
Informal — fine in conversation, but "terminology" or "jargon" reads better in formal writing.
Etymology
From Latin lingua, "tongue" or "language," with a casual -o ending tacked on.
Full origin of lingo →Frequently asked questions
What does “lingo” mean?
The word “lingo” means the specialized vocabulary or way of speaking used by a particular group, trade, or region; jargon. In plain terms, a casual word for the special vocabulary or slang used by a group of people.
How do you pronounce “lingo”?
“Lingo” is pronounced LIHNG-goh (/ˈlɪŋ.ɡoʊ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “lingo” in a sentence?
Here is “lingo” used in a sentence: “It took her weeks to pick up the office lingo.”
What part of speech is “lingo”?
“Lingo” is a noun.
Where does the word “lingo” come from?
The word “lingo” comes from Latin. From Latin lingua, "tongue" or "language," with a casual -o ending tacked on.
