Canting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
canting
[หkรฆntษชล ]
Definitions
language style
Canting refers to the use of specialized vocabulary or jargon by a particular group, often to prevent outsiders from understanding. It can also refer to a form of slang used by criminals or other marginalized groups. The term is often associated with a sense of secrecy or exclusivity in communication.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The canting of the group made it difficult for outsiders to understand their discussions.
- He spoke in a canting manner that revealed his affiliation with the subculture.
- The canting language used by the thieves was filled with obscure terms.
- She learned the canting dialect to fit in with her new friends.
to speak
To cant refers to speaking in a canting manner, typically using jargon or a particular language style. It can imply a certain group identification or a desire to obscure meaning from outsiders.
Synonyms
to jargonize, to slang.
Examples of usage
- He began to cant about his experiences, leaving many confused.
- They cant a lot when they are around other members of their group.
- You shouldn't cant too much; it alienates those who aren't familiar with the terms.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History of Language
- During the Renaissance, canting was often used among the traveling and marginalized communities to communicate secretly.
- In England, a specific form of canting was used by criminals and was documented in literature as 'thievesโ cant'.
- The use of canting languages has been noted among various groups worldwide, often as a means of establishing identity and belonging.
Psychology
- Research shows that using specialized language can foster a sense of community and belonging among members of a group.
- Canting can serve as a double-edged sword; it can promote inclusion within a group while alienating outsiders.
- The brain processes unfamiliar words differently, indicating that learning a cant can reshape oneโs understanding of social relations.
Pop Culture
- Canting has made appearances in literature and film, often portraying characters who share secretive, coded language.
- Popular television shows and movies sometimes depict canting to highlight the differences between cultural or societal groups.
- Some modern subcultures, like online gaming communities, create their own cant to communicate strategies and jokes.
Sociolinguistics
- Different professions often develop their own cants as a way to communicate effectively and efficiently.
- Strategies like jargon can be seen as a type of canting, used to convey complex ideas among experts.
- Canting reflects social hierarchies; how groups manage to create barriers using language indicates power dynamics.
Origin of 'canting'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'cant' comes from the Middle English word 'cant' meaning a song or chant, reflecting the rhythmic quality of the speech.
- In the early 18th century, 'canting' referred to the language of beggars and thieves, revealing social divisions in communication.
- Over time, 'cant' evolved to suggest insincerity or pretentiousness, especially in religious or moral contexts.
The word 'canting' has origins in the late 16th century, deriving from the word 'cant', which itself traces back to the Latin 'cantare', meaning 'to sing'. Initially, it referred to the singing of certain religious or pious phrases, which eventually evolved into a sense of insincerity or hypocrisy tied to moralizing. Over time, 'cant' began to denote specialized language or jargon used by specific groups, particularly those with illicit intentions or lower societal status. The subsequent formation of 'canting' solidified the term's association with both language and the manner of speech that was considered exclusive or esoteric. This evolution illustrates a shift from a neutral or even pious connotation to one that evokes secretiveness and in-group communication.