How does slang differ from jargon?

While slang and jargon are both forms of nonstandard language used by specific groups, they differ primarily in their purpose, tone, and accessibility.

Slang consists of unconventional, often flippant or irreverent words and phrases used to express new concepts or provide fresh, witty, and sometimes shocking perspectives on established ones. It is frequently used to signal group identity, express social criticism, or create a sense of solidarity within a subculture. Because it often relies on colorful metaphors and incongruous imagery, slang is frequently intended to be expressive and emotionally charged rather than purely functional.12345

Jargon, by contrast, is the technical or specialized vocabulary used by specific occupational or social groups, such as physicians or lawyers, to facilitate precise communication within their field. While slang is often characterized by its informality and social intent, jargon is typically esoteric and functional, serving as a professional shorthand that may be unintelligible to those outside the group.61

Historically, both terms have been used to describe language that is difficult for the uninitiated to understand, but they serve distinct social roles: slang acts as a tool for social expression and satire, whereas jargon functions as a specialized medium for professional or technical exchange.612