noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

jargon

JAH-guhn

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Jargon (noun) means Specialized vocabulary used by people in a particular profession or field, often hard for outsiders to follow. Example: “The contract was full of legal jargon that confused the client.”

noun

Specialized vocabulary used by people in a particular profession or field, often hard for outsiders to follow.

"The contract was full of legal jargon that confused the client."

"New employees struggled with all the technical jargon in the manual."

How to use jargon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishInsider language or technical terms specific to a group, which can sound like gibberish to anyone outside it.

When to use it

Often used disapprovingly, implying language is needlessly complex or exclusionary.

Easily confused with

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Common pairings

technical jargon legal jargon industry jargon cut the jargon

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: jargons
Third person singular: jargons
Past tense: jargoned

Test yourself on “jargon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The contract was full of legal _____ that confused the client.

Etymology

From Old French jargon, originally meaning idle chatter or the twittering of birds, before narrowing to mean specialist or insider language.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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cant slang jargoon argot patois lingo vernacular language phraseology parlance sublanguage terminology

Antonyms

vernacular

Related words

words language bank speech tongue pitch fool cant

Rhymes for jargon

argon

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Frequently asked questions

What does “jargon” mean?

The word “jargon” means specialized vocabulary used by people in a particular profession or field, often hard for outsiders to follow. In plain terms, insider language or technical terms specific to a group, which can sound like gibberish to anyone outside it.

How do you pronounce “jargon”?

“Jargon” is pronounced JAH-guhn (/ˈd͡ʒɑɹ.ɡən/ in IPA).

How do you use “jargon” in a sentence?

Here is “jargon” used in a sentence: “The contract was full of legal jargon that confused the client.”

What is another word for “jargon”?

Words with a similar meaning to “jargon” include vernacular, language, phraseology, parlance, sublanguage and terminology.

What is the opposite of “jargon”?

The opposite of “jargon” — its antonyms — is vernacular.

What part of speech is “jargon”?

“Jargon” is a noun.

Where does the word “jargon” come from?

The word “jargon” comes from Old French. From Old French jargon, originally meaning idle chatter or the twittering of birds, before narrowing to mean specialist or insider language.

Is “jargon” a common word?

“Jargon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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