Word
lingo
Phoneticslin·go, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɪŋɡoʊ/
UK/lˈɪŋɡəʊ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the special words or phrases used by a specific group of people. You use this when talking about technical language or slang that is hard for outsiders to understand.
n. the vocabulary or jargon associated with a particular subject, occupation, or social group. Often carries a slightly dismissive or informal tone when used by those outside the group.
Examples
“I don't understand the legal lingo in this contract.”
“After a week on the trading floor, she finally started to pick up the financial lingo used by her colleagues.”
“While the software developers spoke a technical lingo that baffled the marketing team, both groups eventually found common ground through shared project goals.”
Examples
simple
“I don't understand the legal lingo in this contract.”
contextual
“After a week on the trading floor, she finally started to pick up the financial lingo used by her colleagues.”
complex
“While the software developers spoke a technical lingo that baffled the marketing team, both groups eventually found common ground through shared project goals.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the general style of speech; countable when referring to a specific variety.
Real-World Examples
“That’s known as a “stack” in biohacker lingo.” Etymology
From Latin lingua (“language”) + -o (diminutive suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lingo