Lingo Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.9-10.3

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Lingo is a series of terms or language that pertains to a specific geographic area, subject, culture, or industry sector. The use of such a form of communication gives the language within this community a vibrant way to exchanges of ideas. This helps the people of this particular intrinsic culture to feel a sense of pride and unity. In the end this gives people a sense of belonging or have a sense community. In order to use this type of communication within your body of work requires a deep-rooted understanding within the community you are attempting to communicate with. These worksheets will help students better understand the meaning of specified lingo and which sub-culture it belongs to.

Lingo Worksheets To Print:

Introductory Worrksheet - This is a conversation starter about this type of language. A good way to get started with the concept.

Columns - Sort all these terms into the area (sports, social media, or business) that they belong to.

Jargon - Identify the profession/occupation where you are most likely to encounter each example of jargon. Define each term.

Fill Ins - Read the context of each sentence to complete all of the thoughts that are being presented.

Heard This Before? - Write down the meaning of each word. Then take a moment and classify it.

What's Your Lingo? - Think of a group to which you belong. Perhaps you belong because of your age, your interests, or your cultural background. Write down some examples of the types of terms that your group commonly uses. Trade papers with a classmate.

What Is It? - This is an essay activity that you would want to do as a refresher for students.

What It Means - Their must be some terms that you use that you are not 100% sure of the meaning.

Lingo in Fiction - This will help you create a voice that is specific for a story that you are about to write.

Types: Jargon - Put your understanding of these terms to work for you.

Article Structure - This will be an activity reading comprehension activity for students.

Slang - Identify ten examples of contemporary slang words or phrases. Write and define the words.

My Group - Think of a body of terminology that is specific to a group that you belong to.

Related Concepts - Plot how these related concepts are alike and different.

My Comic - Draw a comic in which one character is using lingo, and the other character doesn’t understand what they are saying.

When to Use Lingo In Your Writing?

The term "lingo" refers to vocabulary or language that is specific to a particular region, group of people, or subject. It includes "jargon" and "slang" among other forms. At times, people use the word "lingo" to talk about a different form of conversation or terminology that they are unfamilar with, like a foreign language.


However, more than a unique language altogether, it’s usually a case of differing vocabulary. For instance, an elderly person hears a bunch of teenagers showing their new "kicks" to each other. The term "kicks" means "shoes" in this context, but the older individual might not be able to understand that. As a result, the person might think or say, "It’s hard to comprehend the lingo of kids nowadays!"


Originating from the Latin word "lingua," which means "tongue," lingo is primarily used when describing spoken language. Nevertheless, as is the case with any kind of spoken language, this type of exchange has its applications in literature. In fact, this concept in literature is somewhat vague too. People use it to refer to any kind of nonstandard form of discourse, as it varies between genders, age groups, professions, ethnicities, nationalities, etc.


The Importance


Writers utilize this type of language and vocabulary to add some "zing" and "personality" to a narrative. It builds upon the culture and style of a group or area. Lingo also has a tendency to change with time and adapt to emerging trends. As a result, the addition of new terms and sentences is common.


Any group of individuals can have their own shared vocabulary. In fact, a bunch of friends can develop a separate type of language for themselves. The kind of vernacular someone uses is also a representation of who they are.


Quite often, the level of fluency one can achieve in a second language depends on their ability to understand and use specific terms within that verbal communication system. This is because deepth of vocabulary demonstrates the true colors of any language. Obtaining good command over them is the first step to attaining native-level fluency in any language.


The Different Types of Lingo


As stated earlier, lingo is a sort of general term. People use it to describe all sorts of localized languages and specific vocabularies. Below are some types of expressions that you're likely to hear within a particular lingo.


Jargon


Jargon refers to technical terms used by people belonging to a specific profession or group. It’s usually difficult to understand for the average person. For instance, terms like "asset turnover" and "debt-to equity ratio" form part of accounting jargon. In the same way, there’s medical jargon that includes words like "tachycardia" and "comorbid."


Similarly, you can have business jargon, tech jargon, legal jargon, and so much more. In a nutshell, any bits of language and vocabulary that are used by particular groups of people can be referred to as jargon.


Slang


Slang is a form of non-standard language. It is usually a representation of vocabulary linked with pop culture. For example, "selfie" has become a globally known slang term for a self-taken picture. While not a standard word that you’re likely to find in an English dictionary, it is quite common in the social media-driven culture of today. Various societal classes and age groups tend to use different kinds of slang.


Conclusion


Evolution is an essential component of any language, and this concept follows the same principle. Through it, you can learn a lot about a particular region, country, ethnic group, etc. Suffice it to say that a language would be quite boring without the fizz and spark provided by the various types of unique expression within it.