Jargon, lingo, and slang
Intent separates them
Jargon is technical and craft-focused. Lingo is casual and culture-centred. Slang—late to the party—is more youthful and defiant.
All three sound similar. The intent is what separates them.
Jargon is a place to hide, a chance to show off, a way to disconnect. Lingo allows us to feel included rather than excluded by craft-jargon bullshit. Slang is a step further down that road.
Where do you want to be?
Two weeks back at VIC U19s training—back there again today—I heard a classic. A batter to a bowler, ahead of a live net—bullshit jargon for scenario-based practice where ball aims to beat bat, and the opposite:
“Hey, so what are we doing here?”
This came back from the bowler:
“Simple. I’m gonna try and get you out, and you’re gonna try and hit me around.”
Strip the jargon. Say what you mean. The best communicators always do.
We all need more of that. I’ll be listening again this arvo.
Nick
