Lesson 2 — Activity 3: Other Types of Language


A doctor may use a special language.
Think of some of the activities you take part in. Many of these have particular expressions common just to them.

Occupations can be like that too. For example, doctors may use particular terms in their work. Sometimes only someone with medical knowledge may understand what they’re saying!

These expressions are called jargon.

Jargon is:
the language used for a particular activity or occupation

Here are some examples of the jargon that is used in baseball:

  • "can of corn": this is an easy catch caught by a player in the field
  • "closer": this is the pitcher who comes into the game to finish it
  • "heat": a very fast ball
  • "moon shot" a very high home run
  • "wheels": a ball player's legs.
Do you know some examples of jargon used in activities you participate in?
Baseball uses jargon too.


There are many examples of police jargon.
Now here are some examples of jargon used by police officers:

  • "10—4": "okay" or "I understand."
  • "Code Eight": an officer needs help immediately
  • "Who's my RP?": "Who reported the crime?"
  • "Adam Twelve": "go ahead and do something"


You may know other examples of jargon used by different occupations.

As mentioned before, people who are not doctors may have trouble understanding some of the terms used by them. The same thing applies to police officers and other occupations. Sometimes using too much jargon can affect the messages that are being sent.





Go to the next page to try a Self-check Activity on recognizing jargon used in a business office.