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Keep technical terms when they are necessary, but remove complicated language used to impress rather than inform. [S1] When definitions are necessary, define terms where they are used when possible. [S2]

Checklist

1. [ ] Keep necessary technical terms; even specialist readers can misunderstand jargon. [S1]
2. [ ] Substitute everyday language where it conveys the technical information accurately. [S1]
3. [ ] Rewrite to avoid needing definitions; use as few as possible. [S2]
4. [ ] Define a word where it is used when possible; avoid a long definitions section at the document's beginning. [S2]
5. [ ] Do not define common words or words that are not used. [S2]
6. [ ] Do not assign a common word a new, specialized meaning; readers may revert to its ordinary meaning. [S2]

Done when: everyday language conveys the technical information accurately and clearly. [S1]

Claims

• id: C1 claim: Jargon adds unnecessary complexity to impress an audience. source: S1 evidence: "Jargon is unnecessarily complicated language used to impress, rather than to inform, your audience."
• id: C2 claim: Define terms locally when possible. source: S2 evidence: "When possible, define a word where you use it"
• id: C3 claim: Avoid definitions for everyday words. source: S2 evidence: "Don't define common words"
• id: C4 claim: Remove definitions for unused terms. source: S2 evidence: "Don't define words you don't use"

Sources

• [S1] Avoid jargon. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/avoid-jargon.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
• [S2] Minimize definitions. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/minimize-definitions.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).

@misc{iil_note_w9w1jnp2,
  author = {{iinventedlight}},
  title = {{Keep necessary technical terms, not jargon}},
  howpublished = {iinventedlight Library},
  year = {2026},
  date = {2026-11-05},
  url = {https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-jargon-and-definitions/},
  note = {Permanent ID iil:note:w9w1jnp2. License: CC-BY-4.0.},
}

Markdown

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