# argot

/ˈɑɹɡət/ (US) · /ˈɑːɡət/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/argot
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

the special words and phrases that a specific group of people use so that others cannot understand them.

For teachers: the specialized vocabulary or jargon used by a particular group or social class, often to maintain secrecy or group identity.

## Examples

- The thieves used a secret argot to plan their crimes.
- To an outsider, the technical argot used by the software engineers sounded like a completely different language.
- Linguists study how the argot of marginalized communities eventually filters into mainstream speech, losing its original function as a tool for coded communication.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the context of criminal subcultures or highly specialized professional groups.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.