Have you ever worked somewhere that used specific terms and phrases to refer to specific things at your job? Maybe you have been part of a friend group that used terms and phrases that would not make sense outside of that friend group. No, it’s not lingo or slang, but something more technical that can be used casually or professionally. If you’re ever talking about filmmaking with someone and say “head room” or type “XCU” without needing to explain yourself, you’re most likely using jargon.
But what is jargon? How can you identify jargon? After all, talking about jargon can only get us so far. But never fear, for we will explain what is jargon, along with providing a little bit of history, followed by examples. These jargon examples will include different industries, including the world of filmmaking.
Define Jargon vs Slang
‘Jargon’ Meaning
Below we will provide a jargon definition that explains where the word comes from, along with what jargon means when it comes to terminology and etymology. We will also say right here that jargon is not slang; rather, jargon is closer in relation to lingo, but much more technical and specific.
JARGON DEFINITION
What is jargon?
Jargon is terminology that is used within specialized industries, contexts, and groups. Jargon is used exclusively within these specialized areas, as these areas are the only places where such technical language is relevant. As a result, jargon is not usually understood by anyone not within that specialized industry or group, or anyone not already familiar with the specialized context being discussed. Jargon can be found outside of its usual context, but most people are likely not to understand it, unless the word or words themselves are already well known.
Jargon characteristics:
- Specified technical language used in specialized areas.
- Words and terms that only make sense within a specific context.
- Often used in professional areas (business, education), but can also be used in more casual settings.
The etymology of “jargon” seems to be strongly tied to birds. The Latin word “gaggire” means “to chatter”, while the old French word “jargon” refers to birds chattering. Geoffrey Chaucer’s Cantebury Tales uses the word “jargon” to refer to bird sounds. In the many centuries since, the word “jargon” has now been understood to refer to specialized/technical language used by those in a specialized field.
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What is Jargon Examples
Examples of Jargon
As you would expect, jargon can be found in many industries all over the world, including filmmaking. It should also be reiterated that, even though jargon is a specific technical language, it can still be found outside of its regular areas of discourse. In other words, you do not have to be inside a business boardroom to come across business jargon.
On the subject of business, some corporate jargon is actually pretty common, though it will of course depend on the context. “Touching base” with someone is among the most common, as is “pulling the plug” or “downsizing,” among others. Since business is such a part of everyday life for so many, these terms can find their ways into common vernacular, including “beating/flogging a dead horse” and “in the loop” (or conversely “out of the loop”).
What is jargon • jargon examples
Legal jargon is another type that has likely become familiar to those outside of the field of law. It could be from movies and television shows about law, or it could be from public course battles. But some words and terms that make up legal jargon have become understandable by many, even if they are not commonplace. “Quid pro quo” is one of them, as is “acquittal” and “affidavit”, as well as the phrase “you’ve been served.” However, these are just some key examples, because there are, in fact, many more words that make up legal jargon that are probably never used outside of the legal field.
What is jargon • jargon examples
As for the world of movies, you’re probably already familiar with a lot of film jargon. “ADR”, “intake/outtake”, “XCU”, “wide shot”, “coverage”, “Best Boy”, “‘scope/flat” are all film terms that are used within the film industry and general movie discussion. So if you’re on top of your film terminology, that likely means you’re very in the know when it comes to film industry jargon.
What is jargon • jargon examples
Ultimately most, if not all, industries use jargon, as do more casual groups and fandoms (the word “canon” gets used a lot). If you’re writing a script about a specific industry, jargon can help make your story more authentic (or at least more entertaining for those in said industry). Either way, if you’re in the business of making movies, or are just a huge fan reading the trades, you’re going to encounter jargon one way or another.
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Ultimate Guide to Film Terms
Now that you know more about jargon and where to encounter it, dive deep into film jargon with our article covering film terms. It’s a collection of terms that will help you stay on top of all things film and filmmaking, with links to even more articles on the terms.
