You’re a writer. Don’t be a jargon-peddling, slang-spewing, colloquialism-bantering quibbler….because your readers just might give up on you. How do you avoid those things? Start by figuring out what they are…

Jargon (type of shorthand between a closed group): See examples.

• Code Eight – Term that means officer needs help immediately
• SCOTUS – Supreme Court of the United States
• LOL – Laugh out loud
• NPO – A patient should not take anything by mouth

Slang (casual language; playful and trendy): See an article on the why-nots.

• My bad
• Busted
• Bromance
• Supersize

Colloquialism (words that are region-specific): See the definition.

• Reckon
• Yonder
• Ain’t
• Y’all

With these now safely under your belt of understanding, your readers will thank you. Go forth, dear writer!