Jargon comprises words or expressions that are exclusive to a set of people in a specific or hobby group. And people outside of that group often find these terms difficult to understand without some background knowledge or explanation. In business, jargon varies depending on the industry. Many people have mixed feelings about jargon—some claim it makes communication easier, while others believe it makes communication more difficult. Whatever you believe, jargon is still prevalent in every industry, so you’ll need to know how to use it. Here are some of the reasons why you need to learn your industry’s jargon.
Avoid Misunderstandings
Since almost every industry has its own jargon, you will need to learn it if you want to avoid misunderstandings. For example, there are many terms everyone in the trucking industry should know, such as the word bobtail. If you’re new to the trucking industry, this term may confuse you. However, you’ll find it easier to understand your fellow truckers once you learn that a bobtail is simply a truck without a trailer. If you decide to work in the trucking industry—or almost any industry, for that matter—you will need to learn the terminology to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
Increase Your Credibility
Another reason why you need to learn your industry’s jargon is to increase your credibility. If you do not speak or understand the industry’s language, people tend to think that you’re inexperienced. To increase your credibility at work, you need to understand your industry’s lingo.
Belong to a Community
When you use industry-specific terms, you show that you belong to a community. Jargon can build a sense of trust and camaraderie among coworkers that is essential for a productive workspace.
Improve Communication
Communication is one of the keys to success in any career. Most jargon is simple, short, and to the point. Instead of taking a lot of time to communicate, you can use jargon to relay messages easily and quickly to your coworkers.