Rant time:
Jargon is defined in part as "peculiar vocabulary within a specific industry or group."
Many use jargon to communicate with peers, and that is the purpose of jargon. However, many use jargon outside this circle without thought to how their message is received or spread, and, sadly, many use it to appear advanced or an expert within a field.
While studying Technical Writing, I was taught and warned to avoid the use of jargon whenever possible, even within the target audience or with peers. I was also taught that even within the target groups jargon MUST always be defined early in the discussion to clarify what is meant, because jargon is fluid and changes from organization to organization, and even person to person within these groups.
Why the rant? The self defense education crowd has been on a roll again, and the open communications accessed by the general public is polluted with jargon, and much of this jargon is being used without definition, and in some cases in direct conflict with the writings of many experts.
Even as an instructor who participates on a regular basis and tries to stay up to date on conversations, I have no idea what you mean when you say "Condition 1, 2 ... 999" or "Condition Red, Orange, Purple or Sparkles" if you do not reference the organization or originator of the status.
You want me to glaze over and ignore you quickly? Just start spewing jargon carelessly, and I am out of here.
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