Argot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
argot
[หษหrษกoส ]
Definition
specialized language
Argot is a specialized language used by a particular group, often designed to be unintelligible to outsiders. It is commonly associated with specific professions, social classes, or subcultures, creating a sense of identity and belonging among its users. Argo is used to communicate ideas, feelings, or experiences that may not be fully expressible in standard language. This form of communication can also serve to exclude those who are not part of the group, thereby reinforcing group cohesion. Examples of argot can be found in various fields, including criminal slang, academic jargon, and professional terminology.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The thieves communicated in their own argot to avoid detection.
- Medical personnel often use argot to discuss patient conditions discreetly.
- The hip-hop community has developed a unique argot that resonates with its culture.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 โThe Catcher in the Ryeโ, 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.
Origin of 'argot'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'argot' originates from the French word of the same spelling, which is believed to have derived from the term 'argotiers', referring to the underworld or marginalized groups in society such as vagrants or criminals in 16th-century France. The word encapsulated the secret languages that these groups employed to communicate with each other while evading detection by authorities and outsiders. Over time, 'argot' migrated into English usage, specifically to denote any specialized language or jargon used within specific communities or professions. Its evolution reflects the need for certain groups to safeguard their communication and establish a unique identity that distinguishes them from the larger society. Today, the word has retained this essence, often used to refer to the distinct and often cryptic vocabulary adopted by various cultures, professions, and social circles.