Jargon
Jargon is defined as
“language that is used or
understood only by a select
group of people.”
Examples of Groups of People Who
Use Jargon:
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Medical Professionals
Education Professionals
Computer Techs
Star Trekkies
Basketball Jargon
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Airball
Boards
Double Double/Triple Double
Nothing But Net
Stuffed
Swish
Trifecta
Windex Man/Woman
Break his/her ankles
Crack-crack
Litotes
A litote is a
figure of speech
in which a
positive is stated
by negating its
opposite.
University of Louisville: 70
Murray State: 10
For example, what does “no
small victory” mean?
Or “not a bad idea”?
Or
“not
unhappy”?
Consider this
statement: “Running a
marathon in under two
hours is no small
accomplishment.”
Identify the litote.
Consider this statement:
Andrea Bocelli is not a bad
singer.”
Identify the litote.
Litote, which is a
form of understatement, is the
opposite of
hyperbole.