If a word or phrase is used and has evolved its own meaning peculiar to a specific group, is this described as jargon or is there a closer semantic match?
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4 Answers
Yes, jargon usually has a meaning peculiar to a specific group. A synonym is intalk. Here's the Wiktionary definition for confirmation.
Noun
jargon (countable and uncountable; plural jargons)
- (uncountable) A technical terminology unique to a particular subject.
- (countable) Language characteristic of a particular group.
- (uncountable) Speech or language that is incomprehensible or unintelligible; gibberish.
Synonyms (language characteristic of a group): argot, cant, intalk, slang vernacular
The definition of jargon refers to the vocabulary of a specific group:
the language, especially the vocabulary, peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or group
However, if the word or phrase developed to keep others out (that is, it was purposefully created as a kind of linguistic barrier) it might be classified as a cant:
Cant is the jargon, argot or cryptolect of a group, often implying its use to exclude or mislead people outside the group
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2I think that sense of "cant" is hopelessly archaic today. Commented Aug 21, 2011 at 13:07
The word vernacular would work.
On can also see term of art for some things like this.
term of art NOUN
A word or phrase that has a precise, specialized meaning within a particular field or profession.
‘public domain’ is a term of art in copyright law and you shouldn't throw it around if you don't know what it means
