In my line of work, I use terms like I-20, DS-2019, and OPT every day. This is what is called jargon, or highly specific terminology for a specific field or context. Every field has its own jargon, whether its welding, computer gaming, sound mixing, fashion design, aerospace engineering or pearl diving. You could probably easily come up with a list of words that outsiders wouldn’t know from your job or hobby.
Story Prompt: August 24, 2026
Write a story about a specific piece of jargon
This could be a concept, a process, a device, a document, etc. The prompt is not just to mention it in your story but have it as the center theme or plot point. Since jargon is such specific language you should usually explain to the reader what it means, either explicitly or indirectly through context. The one exception to this is if the characters in the story don’t know what it means either. Then it might be a plot point to figure out what the DX-440 is for and why it’s pulsing like that.
If you write a story for this prompt, send me a link to your story on your own site, either in the comments or at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com.
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
Here musing, no pun intended. Well, maybe a tiny one. I don’t use jargon much but more what I’ve come to call ‘New York humor.’ It’s clipped and sassy, and need to remember that not everyone gets it. Example: when I say…it’s the Greta Garbo in me…I know some will scratch their heads and think…who??? 🙂
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You probably know more than you think, just in the realm of clothing, fashion, acting. I’ve learned a lot of terms from you over the years. 🙂
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