English 9 Vocabulary

1. English 9 Vocabulary Lesson 1 Aspects of Language

2. Archaic Argot Connotation Denotation Idiom Jargon Semantics Slang Standard Vernacular Vocabulary List

3. Archaic (adjective) • referring to words and language that were once common but are now rarely used • ancient • no longer applicable EX. Many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, contain archaic words.

4. Argot (noun) • the informal vocabulary used by a particular class or group, such as criminals • a secret language EX. The Beggar’s Opera, a humorous play written in the 1700s, is rich in thieves’ argot.

5. Connotation (noun) • the mental connections or associations suggested by a word that go beyond its literal meaning or its dictionary definition EX. The word blue has many connotations; it can mean a color, a type of music, or describe a person’s mood.

6. Denotation (noun) • the exact meaning of a word • the dictionary definition of a word EX. The word nice usually has the denotation of “attractive” or “pleasant.”

7. Idiom (noun) • an expression having a special meaning that is not clear from the usual meaning of the individual words in the expression • the specific grammatical and structural characteristics of a language; the accepted pattern of word usage • speech that is characteristic of a particular region. EX. The idiom “to kick the bucket” means that someone has died.

8. Jargon (noun) • the specialized technical vocabulary used by people in the same profession or field • confusing, meaningless talk EX. The patient asked the doctor to explain what she meant without using confusing medical jargon.

9. Semantics (noun) • the study of historical changes in the meaning of words • the study of the relation of words to the objects they stand for EX. Thelma, who is fascinated by semantics, told us that the word silly once meant “holy.”

10. Slang (noun) • highly informal language that occurs most often in casual conversation EX. When Ned described Billy using the slang “cool,” Ned didn’t mean that Billy is cold but that he is a good, unique guy.

11. Standard (adjective; noun) • conforming to established usage in speech or writing • commonly used and accepted as an authority • a rule or model used to judge the quality or correctness of something; criterion • a level of requirement, excellence, or attainment EX. Correct use of standard English requires and understanding of grammar and usage.

12. Vernacular (noun; adjective) • the normal spoken language of a country or region as distinct from the literary or learned language; everyday speech • native to or commonly spoken by residents of a particular country or region EX. Mark Twain is well known for his use of Southern vernacular in his writing.