lingo

¹

[ ling-goh ]

noun

, plural lin·goes.

1. the language and speech, especially the jargon, slang, or argot, of a particular field, group, or individual:

   gamblers' lingo.

2. language or speech, especially if strange or foreign.

lingo

²

[ ling-goh ]

noun

, plural lin·goes.

1. lingoe.

lingo

/ ˈlɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. informal.
   any foreign or unfamiliar language, jargon, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of lingo¹

1650–60; apparently alteration of lingua (franca); compare Polari lingo “language”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lingo¹

C17: perhaps from lingua franca ; compare Portuguese lingoa tongue

Example Sentences

The scientists wondered how quickly the pooches could pick up new lingo.

From Science News For Students

These points all have one thing in common in that we need to try and move away from the acronyms, verbiage, and lingo that was coined in a non-customer-centric world and based on optimization rather than value.

From Search Engine Watch

In mathematical lingo, a set that allows addition and subtraction is called a group.

From Quanta Magazine

All inaugurations are, in the lingo of security experts, high-value targets for attack.

From Washington Post

Every industry has its own lingo that makes no sense in another context.

From Fortune

These are the standard selling points of the craft-distilling movement, with its locavore lingo, terroir talk, and handmade hype.

From The Daily Beast

The “no-diet diet” lingo may sound trendy, but the idea has been around for decades.

From The Daily Beast

She may be disappointed about the false appropriation of such Twilight lingo.

From The Daily Beast

Writer Adam Gopnik learned Internet chat from his son, Luke, and quickly caught on to such lingo as ‘brb’ and ‘gtg.’

From The Daily Beast

One review of the 1995 cult classic said it was defined by its “bubblegum hip-hop lingo.”

From The Daily Beast

You baito where you are,” he commanded, bidding a comrade summon an officer, “or somebody who can talk the lingo.

From Project Gutenberg

These travelled follows are outrageous bores, with their bushy moustachios and outlandish lingo.

From Project Gutenberg

Because I do not patter the flash lingo with you, you appear to take me for a college professor in disguise.

From Project Gutenberg

The contrast when the good man got into the pulpit and began to pray in a borrowed, washy lingo—extempore in more senses than one!

From Project Gutenberg

I learned Pinky to speak a little English an' she learned me her lingo, an' we got along mighty fine.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• argot
• jargon
• patois
• slang
• vernacular
• vocabulary