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(jargon.info)Jargon Construction

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:How Jargon Works:
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:Jargon Construction:
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There are some standard methods of jargonification that became
established quite early (i.e., before 1970), spreading from such
sources as the Tech Model Railroad Club, the PDP-1 SPACEWAR hackers,
and John McCarthy's original crew of LISPers.  These include verb
doubling, soundalike slang, the `-P' convention, overgeneralization,
spoken inarticulations, and anthropomorphization.  Each is discussed
below.  We also cover the standard comparatives for design quality.

Of these six, verb doubling, overgeneralization, anthropomorphization,
and (especially) spoken inarticulations have become quite general; but
soundalike slang is still largely confined to MIT and other large
universities, and the `-P' convention is found only where LISPers
flourish.

Verb Doubling

Doubling a verb may change its semantics

Soundalike Slang

Punning jargon

The -P convention

A LISPy way to form questions

Overgeneralization

Standard abuses of grammar

Spoken Inarticulations

Sighing and <*sigh*>ing

Anthropomorphization

Homunculi, daemons, and confused programs

Comparatives

Standard comparatives for design quality