Day 10: #atozchallenge
Jargon – What is it and when is it okay to use it in writing?
“Jargon is a literary term defined as a use of specific phrases and words by writers in a particular situation, profession or trade.” It is deliberately developed and used for a particular occupation or businesses. Consider legal or medical terminology.
Even though I retired from nursing twenty years ago, I still use medical jargon. Old habits die-hard. For example, a medication taken as needed is, in medical jargon, referred to as a PRN medication.
Twitter has brought the use of jargon into the mainstream. Here are a few examples:
- BTW – By The Way
- IMHO – In My Humble Opinion
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- CYA – See You Around (most of us know of another favorite phrase)
- FYI – For Your Information
- LOL – Laugh Out Loud
Jargon is not the same thing as slang. What’s the difference?
“Slang, more often spoken than written, is a type of informal category of a certain language developed within a certain community and consists of words or phrases whose literal meanings are different from the actual meanings.” Think about the South. We have quite a few slang words and phrases. I’m sure you’re aware of the Southern slang expression, Y’all.
When is it appropriate to use jargon in writing?
Jargon is used in non-fiction, academic papers, professional documents, essays, and fiction. There’s a place for its use, but you most know the audience you’re writing for and provide enough explanation that the reader will understand.
Want to know more about when and how to use Jargon? Check out Write it Sideways article, How to Use (not abuse) Jargon, Slang and Idioms.
What about you? Have you used jargon in any of your writing? 
I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.
I like just enough for cultural flair. Nothing more. I read too much of it in spy thrillers and techno thrillers.
Melissa Sugar
http://melissasugarwrites.com
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I hear you. For me it needs to flow with the story. When it pulls me out, I close the book. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. It’s always good to hear from you.
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Very informative!!!!
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Thanks, glad you found it helpful.
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Very valuable information, thank you so much. I just finished my book, a historical novel about the life of my parents – in German I must add, and I always like to find great advice like yours out there. Thank you so much!
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Cecilia, thanks so much for your kind comments. I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for stopping by the Cow Pasture. Hope you will visit again, soon.
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I am constantly learning when and when not to use jargon especially in the book that I’m writing. There are one or two expressions that are jargon, and I want my readers to know what the jargon stands for.
Excellent article.
Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange
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You might won’t to check out some of the dictionaries I posted earlier. Some of them deal with jargon and slang. Thanks again for stopping by and joining the conversation.
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Love how you put this together!
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Same to you!
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This is solid, practical advice on a topic that often confuses writers. “Know your audience”–yes!
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Thank you Lisa, I’m glad you thought so. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
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