Saturday, July 21, 2012

Speaking in Jargon


This is really common. Seriously, I always encounter people who talk this way. Mostly people who have studied in highly acclaimed schools or some boastful frustrated English speaker. 

Anyways, jargon is defined as language characterized as pretentious vocabulary and convoluted syntax and is often vague in meaning. Or a type of verbosity, even gobbledygook, where one uses queer sounding and affected words; and uncommon scientific or mathematical terms to show their intellectual prowess from the rest.


I can accept it if it were that way, but it isn't. When they talk, it’s always a bunch of physics side notes here, a serving of incorrect algebraic formulas there, and grandiloquent sprinkles. And that in the end, what they said doesn't make any sense to you, so you just nod like you understand.

Jargon can take form as a terminology or an explanation in a simple conversation or essay. Such as, tech jargon.


Scientific or academic jargon.


Or even conversational jargon.


Another thing, is that this way of talking is now, as the colloquialism suggests, “trending”. Popularized by internet memes, status updates, and downright mockery or insults when commenting. Also, people have this notion that by talking this way it makes other people think you're open-minded, or out of the norm.

I want to clarify that I am not against people who talk this way. Some of them might have a tendency to become incomprehensible when writing or explaining because of their line of work, or educational background.


However, my point is that someone might have difficulty in understanding one’s statement. So the solution is that one needs be concise; whenever talking to somebody, or when writing.

28 comments:

  1. Big words you got there! The part where you talked about scientific jargon reminded me of Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Anyway, this is a very well-written post. I really enjoyed reading it. Good job!

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  2. As usual, I have learned another word from you, Lawrie! Jargon. Hmm. Weird word. I never knew such a term existed until now. I didn't even know they would dub a word for that kind of language. People like that should really be more concise and conversational. If they keep talking "scientifically", no one would dare talk to them. Sometimes it's better to be practical and simple. Especially when engaging in a conversation.

    GOOD JOB LAWRIE!

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  3. I had a bit of a hard-time understanding some of your words and I have to look at them in Google then proceed in to reading again. Hehe! Anyway, this is brilliant! And I should admit it, you are really good in writing. Well-written, interesting, and straightforward. Hooray! :-)

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  4. I commend you for writing an exceptional blog entry. I liked the way you used the images as tools to light up your topic; as well as the short (well not really...) video wherein it showed me how much damage these "Jargons" can cause to us. Just to add, I still like the video even though it is gibberish just because the "Mario Brothers" took part in it.

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  6. I can really relate in this blog because I experienced talking to a person speaking in Jargon and he was like "blahblahblah" for the whole conversation and all I managed to say were a couple of "okay's and why's". In the end he then treated me as his best buddy, maybe he thinks that after our oh so fruitful conversation we had this magical connection whatsoever.

    "And that in the end, what they said doesn't make any sense to you, so you just nod like you understand."
    "Popularized by internet memes, status updates, and downright mockery or insults when commenting."

    By the way I also noticed that these two sentences are "fragments" and it gave me a bit of a hard time to understand what you mean. Next time be careful in constructing your sentences because "sentence fragments" and "run-on sentences" are the silent killers in terms of academic writing.

    I commend you for coming up with this splendid blog about those "aliens" speaking in Jargon. Great job!

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  7. As expected, your post is a job well done. Congratulations!

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  8. Same here, Rosetta. Haha! Another new information to me, Jargon. Thanks for that. This is a great post. It can catch the reader's interest. I agree, you have very good writing skills. Good job Kuya Bugs!

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  9. I enjoyed reading your post. A very interesting topic you have there! Job well done, Bugz :)

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  10. As I expected, I met new unfamiliar words from you Lawrie. The words you used, even it made me dizzy here helped a lot to emphasize what you want to convey. Good Job Lawrence Yuzon. God bless.

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  11. Jargon?? What's that! Sounds creepy Lawrie! Anyway, you have used so many difficult and unfamiliar words. That only proves that you really have this wide vocabulary. Great job Mr. Yuzon!

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  12. The title of your post really caught my attention. No wonder, you are such a good writer. I learned new things from you. Great job Lawrence!

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  13. "I can accept it if it were that way, but it isn't."
    "Also, people have this notion that by talking this way it makes other people think you're open-minded, or out of the norm."

    I suggest that you avoid contractions. Apply the full form of the verb, like use "is not" instead of "isn't" and "you are" instead of "you're".


    Kudos for this post! :)

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  14. I really appreciate all of your comments. Thank you guys. :)

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  15. Wow, I learned something new :) Jargon sounds familiar to me but I really don't know what it means. Anyway, your entry is not boring. Period. You're skill in writing is just awesome. I think you know that already. Haha! Good job.

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  16. I haven't encountered any of these jargon-speaking people. If I were to encounter one, I think I couldn't even last ten seconds conversing with them. As you have mentioned, Jargon people have this notion that they make people think that they're open- minded. If they were, they should know that the point of conversation is not to impress other people but to make people understand each other. I agree with Luna that conversations should always be kept simple and practical.

    I wish I have a wide vocabulary like you. Your writing is admirable, Lawrence. I think you did a great job with your post. :)

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  17. Everything has been said. Thanks for the new knowledge. You helped me understand the meaning of jargon. I admire your writing skills and look forward to learn new things from you. Superb job! :)

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  18. Hi Bugz! That was very interesting and entertaining! People who talk like lawyers and CEOs all the time should learn to be more uncomplicated and straight forward. They should stop beating around the bush. However, I don't think people who speak jargon are that common. That's all. Great job!

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  19. Great job Bugz! You are definitely good in to writing. However, always keep your feet on the ground, dude. kudos!

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  20. Nice job on the post Lawrence. I learned a lot from it. :)

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  21. Same here, Anna! While I was reading his post, I had a hard time comprehending those unfamiliar words. Anyway, great job Bugge! :)

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  22. Good job, bro! Your topic is very interesting. I like it very much!

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  23. I commend you for your wide vocabulary. I learn many unfamiliar words from your blog. Like our other block mates, it is also my first time to hear about Jargon. I mean, I know some people talk as such but I do not know that they are named as Jargon. Great job!

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  24. As I was reading your post, suddenly... *nose bleeds* then everything around me went blurry *insert fainting motion here*. (just kidding XD) I'll be serious now. Your post was very informative and it helped me widen my vocabulary. Your post was also entertaining and interesting. Great job!

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  25. Let me just get a tissue, I might just bleed to death with those words, haha! You did a fine job on choosing your topic. Although you could have stringed a few thoughts together in one sentence with a comma instead of writing them separately, you were able to get your thoughts across splendidly, as expected. Also that Call Me Maybe line in Jargon was hilarious. Huzzah to you! :)

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  26. I appreciate the topic you've chosen, "Jargon".
    A minor error I've noticed, you used "Or" at the beginning of the sentence.
    “..vague in meaning. Or a type of verbosity,…”
    "Scientific or academic jargon. Or even conversational jargon."

    Conjunctions placed at the beginning of the sentence is said to be improper.

    The topic would be very interesting if you've properly defined "Jargon" and impart helpful information. If I understand it correctly, Jargon is a terminology which is UNCOMMONLY used by everyone. In other words, Jargon is used to cover the language used by people who work in a particular area or who have common interest.

    An important thing to remember, information that we impart should be precise. It is good for anyone to have a wide vocabulary of words, but sometimes we misuse the words. Just like the words “pretentious” and “vague” that were used to define Jargon, these words are technically inappropriate because Jargon is just not understandable by everyone.

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    Replies
    1. I see you have made an oxymoron there. Even though, I will see to it that I explain my ideas further in future writings.

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