What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cant
Example
The lawyer used legal cant that was hard for me to understand. [cant: noun]
Example
He spoke in cant, using technical terms that only experts in the field would comprehend. [cant: verb]
jargon
Example
The IT technician explained the problem using jargon that I couldn't understand. [jargon: noun]
Example
She jargoned on about computer programming, using terms that were unfamiliar to me. [jargoning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jargon is more commonly used than cant in everyday language. Jargon is a term that is more widely recognized and understood by people, especially in professional settings. Cant, on the other hand, is less common and may be unfamiliar to many English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cant and jargon?
While cant is generally associated with an informal or slang tone, jargon can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Depending on the field or profession, jargon may be necessary for effective communication among experts, but it should be used with caution when speaking to non-experts to ensure clarity and understanding.
