Why jargon is so common
Jargon fulfils a number of fundamental needs.
- It produces efficient and precise communication in some contexts.
- It encourages social bonding by reinforcing a shared identity.
- Jargon can also be used consciously or unconsciously to signal membership in a professional community.
- It is used out of the desire for status in one's profession or because of insecurity.
Jargon is used in place of more easily understood, less professional alternatives.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Identify when jargon is proper. When credibility is important, jargon may be useful. When understanding and engagement of a varied audience are necessary, excessive jargon can be costly.
- Ask yourself if you can communicate the same idea in a simpler way.
- If you want to reduce excessive jargon use in your company, start from the top.
- Letting others know why you want to refrain from excessive jargon sends a message that you're confident in your abilities and more interested in being understood.
Jargon refers to terms, expressions, or acronyms specific to a particular industry or professional group.
People enjoy complaining about jargon, saying it is hard to understand, pretentious, and unnecessary. Many industries and government leaders criticize it, but jargon continues to thrive in most professions despite these complaints.
- Jargon can make communication more difficult for outsiders and cause them to disengage.
- Jargon can make people feel excluded.
- It can sound meaningless.
- It can hurt the impressions of a speaker. Audiences may view these speakers as manipulative or less likeable.
RELATED IDEAS
Being funny can have both positive and negative consequences, in your personal as well as your professional life. And context is always important: when making a joke, for instance, you should definitely make sure the moment is appropriate for such a behavior.
Making the good jokes at the proper moment can help you become everybody's favorite at the workplace. However, making a bad joke can lead even to being fired: so make sure to choose your attitude appropriately.
- Leave off the century. Example: the American Civil War in 1861 becomes 61.
- Think of a term that rhymes with your date. Example: 61 = Sticky gun
- Make sure your rhyme is a little silly and that it paints a strong picture in your head. Example: Imagine Civil War soldiers struggling with a gun that has been covered with honey.
While eating out, shopping, or during a donation drive, some of us make choices that we wouldn’t normally make.
Studies on consumer behaviour show that while some would mimic or copy the behaviour of the person they observe, some would choose to do the exact opposite.
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