User talk:Kavita Laddha
The difference between slang and jargon.
“Buck is not the language of politicians. I say, mind your language. This language is used in the game of poker”. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, on being told that the buck stopped with him.
In this quote, the speaker is referring to the word “buck” as slang in the first sentence, while he refers to the same word as a jargon in the next.
Slang is a vernacular vocabulary that is not generally acceptable in formal usage. The word “slang” derives on meddling with the word “language”. As the name suggests, any form of tampered language or vocabulary is slang. Where as Jargon is a hybrid language of a particular group. Not only is it acceptable but almost indispensable amidst people of a similar group or profession.
Usage of slang is done to make an overstatement. It turns a rock into a hill. Slang is mostly used to communicate the extreme conditions. Words like chill, rocking, cheesy, meaty, crappy, shibby, cool (kewl), hoo-hah when used provide an exaggerated impression. Jargon words are used for communicating precisely what the speaker intends to say. Usage of jargon is to provide a realistic representation. Computer jargons like wi-fi, pop-ups, hibernate, blog, Bluetooth, bytes, burn a C.D. mean nothing more than the speaker is indicating. Similarly, the medical profession is more known for its jargon, like c-section, urine culture, and ante natal profile.
Slang words have a limited shelf life. Slang vocabulary has a very rapid inclusion of new words and phrases. New slang expressions tend to evolve rather quickly. The frequent use or abuse of words like wassup, wannabe, bling, phat, as if, was prevalent in the 90’s, but their usage now is deemed as retro. At that time, these phrases seemed unspeakably fresh and modern. Jargon, also known as convenient verbal shorthand, is produced by living languages. Additions in the jargon terminology are also quite persistent but they are there to stay.
Jargon is imbibed during the years of professional training in highly rational and technical environments. It is acquired after an intense professional training and cannot be eliminated from the user’s vocabulary. It becomes his language of familiarity. Unlike jargon, overall slang language cannot be learned or taught. It is absolutely vital to use it in a natural manner; the only way to do that would be from experience. It is quite handy to know how to use various standard terms about sex or the word “drunk”, even without going into all the odd terms.
Slang can also be called the jargon of some particular calling or class in society, as the language of the theater, college or sailors etc. For instance, a friend is also called a buddy, pal or ace. An idiot or stupid is also called a moron or nuts. Gay - according to the dictionary it means “happy”, but it doesn’t really mean that anymore. It often means anything that is unmanly. Talking trash is just talking nonsense. A geek aside from being book smart, are often very thin, wear glasses, and are not good at any sports.
Several terms that are used when legal representatives converse amongst themselves, seem gibberish like mystic will, act of nature, malum prohibitum or ad seriatum. Like any other profession even the fashion stream has its jargon like haute couture, prêt-a-porter, tres chic, outre, passé, TLBD (the little black dress) and so on.
Slang as linguistic variation is universal, it can be found in any language. Jargon is a characteristic language acknowledged by and within a particular group or line of work.
Slang and jargon are fairly diverse in character, usage, acceptance and recognition. One should not be misunderstood as the other.