argot etymology

Etymology

• From French argot, from Old Occitan argot ("beggars' slang, jargon"), perhaps from Old Spanish jargón ("gibberish"), from Catalan gergon ("gibberish"), from Vulgar Latin garrio ("I chatter").

Meaning

Slang or jargon used by a particular group of people.

Origin

The term "argot" originally referred to the secret language used by beggars and criminals in France. It is thought to have originated from the Old Occitan word "argot," meaning "beggars' slang." Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any type of slang or jargon used by a particular group of people, such as thieves, prostitutes, soldiers, or students.

In the 19th century, the term "argot" was introduced into English by French linguists. It quickly became a popular term for slang and jargon, and it is still used in this sense today.

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