argot

slang, argot

noun ar-GOH Rare

Origin: origin uncertain; 17th-century thieves' cant

Usage Note

Argot originally referred to the secret jargon of 17th-century Parisian criminals and beggars, and has broadened to mean any informal, group-specific slang. French linguistics distinguishes argot (criminal/popular slang), verlan (syllable-reversal slang), and langue familière (colloquial register). The word itself has been borrowed into English as 'argot'.

Examples

"Ce mot vient de l'argot parisien."

Natural Translation

This word comes from Parisian slang.

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