Argot is specialized vocabulary used by small groups, often associated with criminals and thieves. It creates a divide between insiders and outsiders and can be used to talk about illegal activity. Slang is more widespread and used by people with similar interests. The term was borrowed from French and is meant to identify someone as an expert member of a group. It can become popular culture slang and be used to appear “in the know.”
Argot consists of specialized vocabulary that is used by a small insular group of people, often in the form of a clique. It is particularly associated with criminals and thieves, although people from specific regions, fandoms, and classes also use it to communicate. In a very insular group, the resulting argot can be essentially incomprehensible to people outside the group, thus creating a very clear “us and them” divide. This vocabulary can also, of course, be used to talk about illegal or questionable activity without fear of getting caught.
There is a difference between argot and slang or slang. Slang refers to a set of terms, idioms, and concepts shared by people with similar interests. It is used almost like verbal shorthand in a community of savvy individuals, such as baseball fans, computer engineers, or athletes. Jargon isn’t necessarily alienating, though it certainly can be confusing to people who aren’t well versed in it. Slang is more widespread than slang or argot and tends to spread rapidly and transform as it is used.
The term “argot” was taken directly from the French. In French, it specifically refers to the vocabulary used by criminals and thieves. Many French novelists, including Victor Hugo, were very interested in this kind of language because they felt it made their books more believable and interesting. The original meaning of the term has broadened since it was borrowed from French, although the association with gangsters remains.
Using argot identifies someone as an expert member of a group. It is meant to be deliberately alienating and can often be mocking and derogatory when referring to people outside the group. Many groups that are marginalized anyway use language that is heavily weighted with argot to highlight their differences. As a result, many people associate the vocabulary with the lower classes, crime, and geeks, viewing it as a “hermetic language” that promotes isolation rather than togetherness.
In some cases, argot can make the leap into popular culture and become slang. This is especially common with thieves’ vocabulary, which includes colorful terms like “the fuzz” for law enforcement and “on the run” to avoid the fuzz. Because popular culture often idealizes fringe groups, terms taken from argot fall in and out of style, depending on which group is being idolized at the moment. People may also deliberately use it to appear “in the know,” as is the case with individuals like rappers.
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