NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
Rule 6: Avoid Jargon
Jargon is the vocabulary of terms and phrases used within a particular profession,
Definition:
such as the military or the medical professions. It also describes vague and inflated
Jargon
language that unnecessarily complicates simple ideas.
Legalese is a form of jargon that replaces plain talk with sentence structure and
Definition:
phrases that imitate the language of the legal profession.
Legalese
Avoid using jargon or legalese phrases.
Avoid jargon
and legalese
Example:
JARGON: plus up, downsize, quarters, incomplete success.
CLEAR:
increase, reduce, home, failure.
Example:
LEGALESE: Herewith enclosed is..., It is incumbent upon you...
CLEAR: Enclosed is..., You must...
Writing Mechanics and Composition
3-19
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