Jargon is commonly used to efficiently communicate and signal group membership. We propose that jargon use also serves a status compensation function. We first define jargon and distinguish it from slang and technical language. Nine studies, including experiments and archival data analyses, test whether low status increases jargon use. Analyses of 64,000 ... Read More

Why do some professionals use so much jargon? Jargon is a status signal associated with professional expertise and status. Thus, experts should always use more jargon, right? Wrong. Our research shows that lower status professionals routinely use jargon to show off or compensate for lower status. They are using excessive jargon not to be understood but ... Read More