Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specialized vocabulary or set of expressions used by a particular group, especially one operating outside mainstream society: Argot refers to the jargon, slang, or secret language developed and used by a specific social or professional subgroup, such as criminals, hobbyists, or members of a particular trade, to communicate privately or to establish group identity.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The thieves used an argot that was incomprehensible to the police.
  • Every subculture, from jazz musicians to computer hackers, develops its own argot.
  • Understanding the argot of 19th-century sailors requires specialized study.

Advanced Usage

• "To speak in argot": to communicate using the specialized language of a particular group.
  • The old gamblers would speak in an argot full of terms like "aces back to back" and "cold deck."

Variants and Related Words

• Cant (n): A more specific term often referring to the jargon or secret language of beggars, thieves, or other underworld groups. It is very similar to argot.
• Jargon (n): The specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or other group. While "jargon" can be used in formal contexts (e.g., legal jargon), "argot" often carries a connotation of secrecy or exclusivity.
• Lingo (n): Informal term for the language, especially the jargon or slang, of a particular group. It is more casual than "argot."

Synonyms

• Slang: Very informal words and phrases used by a particular group.
• Patois: A dialect, especially one spoken by the common people of a region, which can also imply non-standard language.
• Vernacular: The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.

Related Phrases

• Underworld argot: Specifically denotes the secret language of criminals.
  • The novel was filled with underworld argot, adding to its gritty realism.

Related Idioms

• "To be fluent in the argot": To be completely familiar with and able to use a group's specialized language.
  • After years in the industry, she was fluent in the argot of film production.

Noun

1. a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
   • they don't speak our lingo