Jargon and Mubo-jumbo
Jargon is the specialized terminology associated with a particular profession or group (Warburton pages 83-84). The term jargon is usually used in a pejorative sense, to suggest language that is unnecessarily obscure or incomprehensible. The same language, used in its proper context such as a computer repair manual or physics seminar, would not be jargon. There are several reasons for the proliferation of jargon. Some people simply don't seem to be able to write clearly, or realise the problem most people have with jargon. As a result we get the typical electronic appliance instruction manual. Others try to impress the reader with scientific sounding words like "quantum leap", "chaos theory" and "paradigm shift". Some people, especially those promoting pseudo-scientific ideas (Gardner), invent their own jargon, or give private meanings to common words (humptydumptying, Warburton, pages 73-74)
Closed groups often rapidly develop their own jargon. Teenagers are famous for developing their own jargon or slang. University academics, as well as followers of philosophies like objectivism or post-modernism, also tend to develop their own jargon. Often writers are more concerned with impressing other members of the group than they are with making the ideas clear to the general public. This can put the material beyond the understanding of people outside the group, and may even divide people into ins versus outs.
Mubo-jumbo (or gobbledygook) is material that is filled with jargon and complicated writing, often to the point that it no longer makes any sense, or is so vague that it can be interpreted in multiple ways. This may be simply be the result of bad writing, but it can also be a sign of the more extreme pseudo-sciences. It may also be a result of someone deliberately trying not to be pinned down. A prime example is Alan Greenspan, whose pronouncements are often both obtuse and self contradictory.
Things to watch out for
The primary thing is to remember your audience. Don't overload them with unnecessary terminology, but don't take down to them either. Any technical words that is used should be defined. If a large number of technical terms are unavoidable, consider using a glossary. And remember, most readers are not going to be impressed by lots of jargon and obtuse writing. They are much more likely to look for something easier to read.
References
Gardner, M., Fads & Fallacies in the Name of Science, Dover Publications, 1952-1957.
Warburton, N., Thinking from A to Z, second edition, Routledge, 2000.
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Written by Jim Norton
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