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Lingo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lingo

[ˈlɪŋɡoʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

language

A set of words and expressions used within a particular group, industry, or culture, often not understood by outsiders.

Synonyms

jargon, slang, vernacular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lingo

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.
jargon

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.
vernacular

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.
slang

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.

Examples of usage

  • The teenagers were speaking their own lingo, full of slang and abbreviations.
  • I had to learn the lingo of the finance world to understand my new job.
Context #2 | Noun

language

A vocabulary or set of terms specific to a particular subject or activity.

Synonyms

lexicon, terminology, vocabulary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lingo

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.
vocabulary

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.
terminology

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.
lexicon

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.

Examples of usage

  • I'm still learning the lingo of computer programming.
  • The lingo of the medical field can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often use lingo related to their professions, like medical jargon in hospital dramas or tech slang in sci-fi series.
  • Certain online communities have developed their own lingo that often confuses outsiders, showing how unique groups can communicate.
  • Social media platforms have birthed new lingo, like acronyms (LOL, BRB) and slang words that define trends, especially among younger users.

Literature

  • Authors often create unique lingo to enrich their fictional worlds, granting readers a deeper understanding of different cultures.
  • William Shakespeare introduced many words and phrases into English that are now part of everyday lingo, showing the evolution of language.
  • In science fiction literature, new lingo often emerges to describe advanced technologies or societal structures, guiding readers through complex themes.

Psychology

  • Common lingo among particular social groups can foster feelings of belonging and identity, as members feel understood by one another.
  • Using specialized lingo can create barriers for outsiders, making it both exclusive and inclusive depending on context.
  • Research shows that understanding and using a group's lingo can significantly improve communication and strengthen relationships.

Global Languages

  • Different cultures develop unique lingos to cope with local influences, showcasing how language adapts to its environment.
  • For instance, surfers have their own lingo that includes terms like 'gnarly' and 'wipeout', reflecting their lifestyle and community values.
  • In multilingual societies, blending lingo from different languages can result in phenomena such as code-switching, where speakers alternate between languages fluidly.

Origin of 'lingo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lingo' originally came from the late 19th century, likely borrowed from 'lingua', the Latin word for 'language'.
  • It began as slang to refer to foreign or strange languages, often used humorously.
  • Over time, 'lingo' has evolved to describe any specialized language, particularly among groups or professions.

The word 'lingo' originated in the mid-17th century, derived from the Latin word 'lingua' meaning 'tongue' or 'language'. It has been used to refer to specialized language or jargon within different groups or fields.

See also: ling, linger, lingerie.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,459, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.