Lingo: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to language or speech, especially when it is difficult to understand or specific to a particular group.

• I couldn't understand the local lingo when I traveled to that foreign country.

Refers to specialized or technical language used by a particular profession, industry, or group.

• The doctor's explanation was full of medical jargon that I couldn't follow.

Describes the everyday language spoken by regular people in a particular region, as opposed to formal or literary language.

• The author writes in the vernacular to make the characters' dialogue more authentic.

Informal language often used by a particular group of people, sometimes considered improper or unconventional.

• Teenagers often use slang that older generations don't understand.

Used to refer to specialized or unfamiliar language, often within a particular group or field. Often has a casual or slightly informal connotation.

• I couldn't understand the tech lingo they were using at the conference.
• The online community has its own lingo that can be hard for newcomers to grasp.

The set of words known and used by a person, or the words used in a particular context or field. Broadly applicable in both casual and formal settings.

• She has a very extensive vocabulary for someone so young.
• The scientific article introduced me to new vocabulary that I hadn't encountered before.

Refers to the set terms and expressions associated with a particular subject, technical domain, or professional practice. Often used in professional or academic contexts.

• Understanding the correct medical terminology is crucial for healthcare professionals.
• The course covered the basic terminology of financial accounting.

Refers to the complete set of words in a language, or the specialized vocabulary of a particular field, subject, or individual. Often used in more formal or academic settings.

• The lexicon of medical terms can be quite complex.
• Her emotional lexicon was much richer than that of her peers.