Jargons: To Use Or Not To Use On Content

We call jargons with different names, but essentially, the best way to put it is ‘foreign or technical words.’ We consider a word to be foreign if it is far beyond what is usually used as a native language. Jargons are usually found on fields of business, medicine, engineering, and even programming, and is only limited by information to a few who practice a specific field.

In blogging, we are not excused to using jargons. Though there have been a lot of protests to stop using jargons online, chances are it is still highly used. Today we are about to tackle why we are still using jargons, and why it is not good when used as a content in blogging.

Why jargons are somewhat important

As said, despite the campaign to stop using jargons online, we are but faced with the strong dilemma of whether allowing it to be used on an online content. Technically speaking, a jargon is still a word which signifies a meaning—a meaning which may contain a lot of explicative or descriptive words too many to be spoken or expressed at once. Like any proper nouns as the English language would say, a jargon is a name we use to signify an idea or concept.

Jargons, then, is an answer to a need. It is inevitable that sometimes, we fail ourselves to express what we truly want to mean to the point that we just coin a word or two out of it; jargons then can be an answer.

Then why is it wrong to use one?

Jargons are not always wrong especially when you learn to use it right. Using jargons can be wrong if:

1. You use it too much on a single narrative or script;
2. You fail to introduce it ahead;
3. You cannot explain it in proper words; or
4. You failed to use it in a proper context or usage.

Jargons then, since they are words unfamiliar to the general public practicing a common or native language, are words that can appear as a void to a meant expression; it is a negative idea if it is not supplied with the right one. Moreover, it gives an expression a negative state because listeners or readers would have to guess its meaning based on experience or on the context it is being applied upon.

When are you allowed to use a jargon?

Actually, there’s not a rule that limits you to using jargons. Jargons are used not only on academic and business papers, but can even be used on day-to-day conversations. You can use jargons, then, even in your blogs.

However, few guidelines are to be met before you use a jargon especially when it is to be designed as a part of an online content:

1. Use jargons only when an idea that you have would take a lot of wording to be fully expressed;
2. If you can rephrase an idea without the jargon on it while maintaining integrity of the thought, then do so.
3. Use jargons only if it is extremely important that the story will not be complete without it;
4. Don’t use any other technical term outside of an already-specified term such as the scientific ones; do research if necessary;
5. Use jargons moderately (people don’t love to look into footnotes like more than twice in a single reading);
6. Be careful with your spelling and on how you use it in relation to the context you are trying to achieve.

How to properly use jargons on online content

And if you really cannot avoid using jargons, below are some guidelines which will help you achieve a cleaner presentation of a jargon-enabled content:

1. If you are about to use a jargon and if you are certain that the idea to be expressed will be used more than once, then you must introduce the jargon right away.
2. Introducing jargons can come in different ways, but for the convenience of your online visitors, you must phrase the explanation or definition within parentheses right next to the jargon itself.
3. Explanation of jargons must not take longer than a sentence. If you think there’s a longer explanation of it, then lead it to another reference or page using a link.
4. Be sure that the jargon employed with the proper introduction will still be legible and comprehensible without difficulty. Do a proofreading to ensure quality of work.
5. Don’t use another jargon within an explanation or definition of a jargon. Use common words.
6. If a jargon can come with multiple definitions, use one that which is needed within the context. If another idea is to be meant using the same term, provide another clear definition.

Conclusion

Jargons can be good on your online content if the viewers can immediately understand that it is a vital piece to the overall information they are about to gather. If used with moderation and if applied sensibly, your work can gain authority in itself and people will love it for how informative it can be.