What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pidgin
Example
The workers on the construction site communicated using a pidgin language. [pidgin: noun]
Example
The pidgin language they spoke was a mix of English and Chinese. [pidgin: adjective]
jargon
Example
The doctor used medical jargon that was hard for the patient to understand. [jargon: noun]
Example
The IT specialist explained the problem using jargon that only other IT professionals would understand. [jargon: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jargon is more commonly used than pidgin in everyday language. Jargon is used in many fields and industries, while pidgin is less common and used primarily in situations where people with different languages need to communicate.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pidgin and jargon?
While jargon is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, pidgin is more informal and used primarily for practical communication purposes.
