Lingo

/ˈlɪŋɡoʊ/ noun

Definition

Specialized vocabulary or language used by people in a particular profession, hobby, or social group.

Etymology

Possibly from Portuguese 'língua' (language) via Spanish, or from Latin 'lingua.' Entered English in the 1600s from colonial trader jargon, originally meaning 'any foreign language.'

Kelly Says

Every group develops lingo within days—hackers, doctors, gamers, skaters—because specialized words aren't just shortcuts; they're identity markers that exclude outsiders and bond insiders together.

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