English 9 Vocabulary
Lesson 1
Aspects of Language
Vocabulary List
1) Archaic
6) Jargon
2) Argot
7) Semantics
3) Connotation
8) Slang
4) Denotation
9) Standard
5) Idiom
10)Vernacular
Archaic (adjective)
a)
b)
c)
referring to words and language that
were once common but are now rarely
used
ancient
no longer applicable
EX. Many historical documents, such as the
Declaration of Independence, contain
archaic words.
Argot (noun)
a)
b)
the informal vocabulary used by a
particular class or group, such as
criminals
a secret language
EX. The Beggar’s Opera, a humorous play
written in the 1700s, is rich in thieves’
argot.
Connotation (noun)
a)
the mental connections or associations
suggested by a word that go beyond its
literal meaning or its dictionary definition
EX. The word blue has many connotations;
it can mean a color, a type of music, or
describe a person’s mood.
Denotation (noun)
a)
b)
the exact meaning of a word
the dictionary definition of a word
EX. The word nice usually has the
denotation of “attractive” or “pleasant.”
Idiom (noun)
a)
b)
c)
an expression having a special meaning that is
not clear from the usual meaning of the
individual words in the expression
the specific grammatical and structural
characteristics of a language; the accepted
pattern of word usage
speech that is characteristic of a particular
region.
EX. The idiom “to kick the bucket” means that
someone has died.
Jargon (noun)
a)
b)
the specialized technical vocabulary used
by people in the same profession or field
confusing, meaningless talk
EX. The patient asked the doctor to explain
what she meant without using confusing
medical jargon.
Semantics (noun)
a)
b)
the study of historical changes in the
meaning of words
the study of the relation of words to the
objects they stand for
EX. Thelma, who is fascinated by
semantics, told us that the word silly
once meant “holy.”
Slang (noun)
a)
highly informal language that occurs
most often in casual conversation
EX. When Ned described Billy using the
slang “cool,” Ned didn’t mean that Billy
is cold but that he is a good, unique guy.
Standard (adjective; noun)
a)
b)
c)
d)
conforming to established usage in speech or
writing
commonly used and accepted as an authority
a rule or model used to judge the quality or
correctness of something; criterion
a level of requirement, excellence, or attainment
EX. Correct use of standard English requires and
understanding of grammar and usage.
Vernacular (noun; adjective)
a)
b)
the normal spoken language of a country
or region as distinct from the literary or
learned language; everyday speech
native to or commonly spoken by
residents of a particular country or region
EX. Mark Twain is well known for his use of
Southern vernacular in his writing.