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Subject:Use of Jargon From:Bruce Ashley <bashley -at- CREATEPRINT -dot- COM -dot- AU> Date:Wed, 15 Jul 1998 10:55:56 +1000
Leonard,
Would you say "a device, usually electronic, that processes data according
to a set of instructions and is meant for the exclusive use by a singular
individual" (apologies to Collins Dictionary)? or would you say "Personal
Computer" or just "PC".
Only those having exposure to the abreviated term would know PC.
Only those having exposure to the term 'Personal Computer' would know what
it was.
In fact, giving the full definition to someone not familiar with the terms
'electronic' and 'data' would also be useless.
You must remember that all information is jargon to someone, so determining
your audience is the most important step in determining what 'jargon', if
any, to use.
I'm sure that a Computer Systems Engineer would be offended if you used the
full definition in a document specific to their profession.
Note: The Collins Dictionary defines jargon as : 1. specialized language
concerned with a particular subject, culture, or profession. 2. language
characterized by pretentious vocabulary or meaning. 3. gibberish.
I think, however, that the common usage (i.e. definition 1. above) would
suffice.
