What does jargoning mean?
Jargoning is the act of speaking or writing in jargon: specialized vocabulary associated with a particular profession, field, or group. It may also refer to the jargon-heavy language itself. The word is often used critically, particularly when specialized expressions make communication seem unnecessarily complicated or exclude people who lack the relevant background. In less negative contexts, jargoning can neutrally describe the normal use of technical terminology, as in scientific or legal writing. Although jargon itself is not always objectionable, excessive jargoning can obscure meaning rather than add precision. Recognizing it is useful in journalism, education, business, and public communication, where clear language is often more effective than insider terminology. Jargoning is closely associated with jargon and is its present-participle and gerund form, with a nounlike use in phrases such as “heavy jargoning.”
verb (present participle and gerund)To speak or write using jargon, especially technical or specialized terminology that may be difficult for other people to understand.
- Speaking or writing in specialized terminology.
- The use of jargon, especially when excessive or difficult to understand.
"His explanation was buried in jargoning that obscured a straightforward idea."
"The consultants spent the meeting jargoning about systems and synergies rather than addressing the client's concerns."
"The guide avoids jargoning, explaining each technical term in straightforward language."
Jargon comes from a word associated with chattering, fitting language so specialized that outsiders may feel deliberately excluded.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jargoning come from?
Jargoning is formed from jargon by adding the present-participle and gerund ending -ing. Jargon entered English in the early 18th century from French jargon, which in turn derives from Old French jargon, a word associated with chattering or unintelligible talk. Its modern sense for specialized or obscure terminology developed from that older sense of confused or excessive speech.
Related word forms
How jargoning is actually used
The word is often neutral when referring simply to specialized terminology, but it commonly carries a negative or critical tone when the terminology seems excessive, obscure, or designed to impress.