Posted by Peter H on September 20, 2002 at 21:25:52 from 213.1.186.190 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: Re: Jargon posted by Jonathan Labaree on September 20, 2002 at 15:15:24:
Fair enough, Jonathan. In fact, I wasn’t being totally serious when I pleaded for less jargon. However, if we are going to be serious, I would distinguish the sort of ‘jargon’ which consists of precise technical terms for which there is no alternative – nautical language is like this. The term ‘sisterhook’ has an exact meaning, and no other word will do. And it’s been in use for a long time.
On the other hand, computer jargon seems to change every month! It also consists of words ‘borrowed’ and used just to make the user seem smarter. If ‘vanilla’ means ‘plain’, then why not say ‘plain’? Management jargon is even worse – ‘level playing fields’ etc. This sort of language is used simply to overawe the outsider.
By the way, I have looked up ‘vanilla’ in three UK dictionaries (OED, Cassells and Chambers), and they all give a botanical definition only. Maybe the new meaning is on its way across the Atlantic. Stand by to repel boarders!