Jargons refer to the terminology used in the form of specific phrases or words associated with a particular field or area of study. The language is used to convey hidden meanings that are well understood by its users. The language, though necessary and useful to those who are a part of the group using such lingo, it is often meaningless and strange to outsiders. Usually, a particular profession develops a jargon of their own but any ingroup might also develop such language. In fact, some professions have developed so much jargon of their own that it has its own name! For example, lawyers use legalese, academics use academese.

Fun Fact: A writing which is full of jargons is known as “Jargony”!

Many experts of the language have been in a debate whether jargons are useful or not. While, some experts are in favor of using jargons stating that it is necessary to navigate the intricacies of certain professions, however, some experts are also of the view that the use of jargons unnecessarily complicates the language and excludes the outsiders. Sometimes, Jargons are also confused with slang. They are very different in reality. Slang is an informal, colloquial language used by a group of people, while Jargon is a formal language associated with a profession. Hence, your organization and the people working for it might or might not use business jargons depending on their views.

Few examples of Jargons in the context of business are:

• The 9-to-5 : A business Jargon meaning a standard work day
• Sweat equity: A business Jargon meaning getting a stake in the business instead of pay.
• Due diligence: A business Jargon meaning putting enough effort into research before making a business decision.
• AWOL: A business Jargon meaning Absent Without Leave.
• Hard copy: A business Jargon meaning a physical printout of a document
• Best Practice: In business, “best practice”, means adopting a practice with proven effectiveness.

Whether you are a newcomer in the corporate world or a new joinee in an organization, it is important for us to adapt to the culture and language. Here are some tips on how you can learn jargons used at your workplace:

• Google: When you hear a word or a Jargon which is commonly used in conversation but you quite don’t understand it’s meaning,  Google the word to understand its meaning and its usage.
• Peers: You can also ask your colleagues or sub-ordinates about the meaning of a particular word or phrase used in the workplace 
• Interrupt: When you are new in an office place or hear a new jargon, don’t be afraid to interrupt the conversation and ask for clarifications.
• Observation: Observing when people use a word and in what context often, though time consuming, can also help you come to terms with the Jargons used in your workplace.
• Social media sites: Social media sites like Quora, have multiple users from the business world who would be happy to respond to your query and answer your questions. You can also find answers by just searching through a keyword in such sites as somebody or the other would have probably explained the meaning and use of any such jargon that you would come across.

The use of Jargons, though a bit controversial, is aimed to make our conversations more effective and bring clarity. However, a limited knowledge of such words would hinder not only the communication process but also create confusions in your mind & reduce your productivity. Hence, it’s a good idea to be in touch with the way communication takes place in your workplace.