Quick Answer
Parlance is the way a specific group talks, using their own words and style. It matters because it's a bit like insider jargon – if you use or understand it, you instantly signal you belong and get what they're on about, distinguishing you from those outside the circle.
In a hurry? TL;DR
- 1Parlance is a specific way of speaking or vocabulary used by a group, signaling belonging and understanding.
- 2It differentiates from jargon, dialect, and slang by describing the overall style and 'atmospheric quality' of speech.
- 3Mastering parlance helps you be an 'insider' and understand unspoken rules within a specific circle.
- 4Understand parlance by observing the rhythm, word choices, and stylistic nuances of a group's communication.
- 5Adopting the parlance of a group can signal assimilation or familiarity, as seen in military or corporate settings.
- 6Understanding and using workplace parlance can significantly impact perceptions of cultural fit and integration.
Why It Matters
The word "parlance" is interesting because it captures the subtle ways language signals belonging to a specific group, whether it's a street gang or a high-frequency trading floor.
Parlance refers to a specific way of speaking or a particular vocabulary used by a distinct group, such as an industry, subculture, or profession. It describes the internal shorthand and stylistic choices that signal someone belongs to a certain circle.
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Phonetic Spelling: PAHR-luhns (/ˈpɑːrləns/)
- Definition: A specific mode of speech or a particular manner of using words, often associated with a specific subject or group.
Why It Matters
Understanding parlance is the difference between being an outsider and an initiate; it is the linguistic handshake that proves you understand the unspoken rules of a room.
The Language of the In-Crowd
While jargon often refers to technical terms that confuse outsiders, parlance describes the broader character of how people talk. It is the atmospheric quality of language. If you are in legal parlance, you aren't just using big words; you are adopting the precise, cautious, and often archaic rhythm of the courtroom.
The word fills a gap that terms like dialect or slang cannot quite reach. Dialects are regional, and slang is often informal. Parlance, however, can be elevated or gritty. It is as applicable to the coded talk of a street gang as it is to the hushed, acronym-heavy conversations of a high-frequency trading floor.
The Origin of Talk
The word has its roots in the Old French parleur, meaning to speak, which also gave us terms like parlour (a room for talking) and parliament (a place for formal debate).
Parlance in Practice
- In naval parlance, the left side of the vessel is always referred to as port, never left.
- Although he was a civilian, he adopted the clipped, stoic parlance of the soldiers he shadowed.
- The term sustainability has become common parlance in corporate boardrooms, often losing its original bite through overexposure.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Phraseology, idiom, jargon, lingo, vernacular.
- Antonyms: Silence, standard speech, listening.
Internal Connections
- Learn why Jargon creates barriers in professional environments.
- Explore the etymology of Parliament and other rooms built for talking.
- Discover how Vernacular shapes national identity.
Is parlance the same as slang?
No. Slang is usually informal and fleeting. Parlance can be highly formal, technical, or permanent, representing a professional standard rather than a casual trend.
Can I use this word in casual conversation?
Generally, yes, though it carries a slightly sophisticated air. Using it to describe the way a specific group talks makes you sound observant and precise.
Is it always plural?
No, parlance is an uncountable noun. You would say in common parlance rather than in common parlances.
Key Takeaways
- Parlance describes the specific style or vocabulary of a particular group.
- It shares a root with the word parliament, emphasizing the act of formal speaking.
- It acts as a social signifier, identifying who is an expert and who is an amateur.
- Use it when you want to describe the texture of a conversation rather than just the words themselves.
Example Sentences
"In legal parlance, 'habeas corpus' refers to a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court."
"The new marketing intern quickly learned the specific parlance of the advertising industry to fit in with the team."
"To fully appreciate the poet's work, one must understand the literary parlance of the Romantic era."
"The manager's presentation was filled with corporate parlance that left many employees scratching their heads."
"Football parlance often includes terms like 'nutmeg' and 'hat-trick', which are unique to the sport."
