Argot: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'argot' comes from the French word 'argot', which means 'slang' or 'secret language'.
• It was first used in the 17th century, and its origins are thought to be tied to the slang of thieves in France.
• An earlier form of the word can be traced to the Italian 'argiuta', referring to the language of a specific society or group.

Sociolinguistics

• Argots often develop within subcultures as a way to foster a sense of belonging and identity.
• Many professions, like medicine and law, use specialized argots to convey precise meanings that may not be understood by outsiders.
• Argots can serve as a barrier, allowing members of a group to communicate privately, while excluding others.

Pop Culture

• In movies and books, characters often use argot to define their identity, making them relatable to specific audiences.
• Street art and hip-hop culture are rich with argotic expressions, reflecting the experiences and struggles of their communities.
• Famous works of literature, like ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, include argotic speech to accurately convey a character's background.

Linguistic Diversity

• Different regions and countries have their own unique forms of argot, reflecting local cultures and social dynamics.
• Argot can evolve quickly, adapting to new social trends and technologies, keeping the language fresh and relevant.
• Youth culture often creates and popularizes new argotic phrases, which can be seen in slang used in social media and texting.

This word's position of #33,456 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33453 ricocheted
• 33454 leapfrog
• 33455 glazier
• 33456 argot
• 33457 reneged
• 33458 niggling
• 33459 gashed
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