argot
linguistics
Also known as: cant
Quick Summary
Argot refers to the specialized vocabulary and idioms used by a particular group or field. It is a form of language that may be more or less secret, and it is not immediately intelligible to those outside the group. Argot can include slang, jargon, and patois, and it often arises from social conflicts or the need to express specific group values and attitudes. While slang is often unconventional and can be irreverent, argot serves as a distinct linguistic marker for a specific community.123
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