Jargon is like a type of shorthand between members of a particular group of people, often words that are meaningless outside of a certain context. Following are some examples of jargon that will help illustrate the concept.
Examples of Medical Jargon
- Agonal – Term to signify a major, negative change in a patient’s condition
- BP – Medical shorthand for blood pressure
- FX – Medical jargon meaning bone fracture
- JT – A joint
- NPO – A patient should not take anything by mouth
- IM – Intramuscular
- K – The elemental symbol for potassium
Examples of Business Jargon
- Bang for the buck – A term that means, to get the most for your money
- Due diligence – Putting effort into research before making a business decision
- Sweat equity – Getting a stake in the business instead of pay
- The 9-to-5 – Business jargon meaning a standard work day
- Chief cook and bottle-washer – A person who holds many responsibilities
Examples of Police Jargon
- Suspect – A person whom the police think may have committed a crime
- 10-4 – Radio jargon meaning Okay or I understand
- Code Eight – Term that means officer needs help immediately
- Code Eleven – A code that means the individual is at the scene of the crime
- FTP – The failure of an individual to pay a fine
- Assumed room temperature: An individual has died
Examples of Military Jargon
- TD – Temporary duty
- AWOL – Absent without leave
- SQDN – A squadron
- SAM – Surface-to-Air missile
- PCS – A permanent change of station
- LES – Leave and earning statement
Examples of Political Jargon
- Left wing – Political jargon for liberal, progressive viewpoint
- Right wing – Jargon meaning a conservative viewpoint
- Getting on a soapbox – Making a speech in public
- POTUS – President of the United States
- SCOTUS – Supreme Court of the United States
Examples of Internet Jargon
- BTW – By the way
- CYA – See you around
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions
- HTH – Hope this helps
- MOTD – Message of the day
- YMMV – Your mileage may vary
- IIRC – If I remember correctly
- IANAL – I am not a lawyer
- LOL – Laugh out loud
- BFF – Best friends forever
- TTYL – Talk to you later
Each of these different types of jargon is used as a shorthand by people in-the-know to make communicating easier. By learning the jargon for a particular industry, you can develop a deeper understanding of its culture and commonly-used phrases.
