The Science of Jargon
Much of my research on status displays looks at the role of language, particularly jargon. Overall I argue that our use of language reflects and is influenced by our place in our social hierarchy. We use language to 'communicate" about ourselves and our status as much as we do to communicate about whatever topic we're speaking about.
Zachariah Brown, Eric Anicich and Adam Galinsky
Abstract: 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 dissertations found that titles produced by authors from lower-status schools included more jargon than titles from higher-status school authors. Experimental manipulations established that low status causally increases jargon use, even in live conversations. Statistical mediation and experimental-causal-chain analyses demonstrated that the low statusjargon effect is driven by increased concern with audience evaluations over conversational clarity. Additional archival and experimental evidence found that acronyms and legalese serve a similar status- compensation function as other forms of jargon (e.g., complex language). These findings establish a new driver of jargon use and demonstrate that communication, like consumption, can be both compensatory and conspicuous.
Highlights
Experiencing low status increases the use of jargon
Low status increases jargon use because it activates evaluative concerns
Archival analyses found a low status jargon effect across 64k dissertation tit
Experiments provided a causal link and mediation path from low status to jargon use
The use of acronyms also serves a status compensation function
Zachariah Brown, Eric Anicich and Adam Galinsky
After discussing some reasons why jargon is so common across professions, we focus on one particular reason for its use: the desire for status. We review some of our research showing that jargon is used for status needs, and offer some practical advice on how to reduce costs from its use.
Popular takes on jargon below
Popular articles on jargon
Academic articles on jargon
Automatic jargon identifier for scientists engaging with the public and science communication educators
Paper where the authors attempt to create an automated 'jargon identifier' for scientists
Quantifying scientific jargon
The authors provide an algorithm to measure scientific jargon
Measuring mumbo jumbo: A preliminary quantification of the use of jargon in science communication
Another method of measuring scientific jargon
How Experts Use of Medical Technical Jargon in Different Types of Online Health Forums Affects Perceived Information Credibility
Authors argue for aligning jargon use to fit the audience. Jargon leads to higher perceptions of speaker competence but lower benevolence and integrity
Weird Al Yankovic makes a humorous video entirely comprised of business jargon
"Monitize our assets..."