gergo
/ˈd͡ʒɛr.ɡo/
The English phrase 'slang' is translated into Italian as gergo.
gergo refers to unconventional language. It can be used to describe the informal language of certain social groups or the technical jargon used by specific professional groups. Additionally, the English word 'slang' is frequently used in Italian as a loanword to refer to informal or trendy language.
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
Which one should you use?
While gergo can mean 'slang', it is also the standard word for 'jargon' used by specific professional groups.
How does it change in a sentence?
gergo is a masculine noun. Its plural form is gerghi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of gergo is /ˈdʒɛr.ɡo/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word gergo is derived from the Old French word jergon, which originally imitated the chattering sound of birds.
- Italy has a famous historical 'slang' called Sabir, a pidgin language used by Mediterranean merchants to trade across different cultures.
- Certain types of gergo in Italy were historically used as secret codes, such as furbesco, used by criminals to avoid being understood by police.
Examples in context
- Il gergo di Internet mi confonde.Internet slang confuses me.This sentence shows how to refer to 'gergo' in the context of the Internet.Tatoeba #11877002 by Guybrush88, translation #9204250 by DJ_Saidez
- Non capisce bene il gergo dei giovani.He doesn't understand the slang used by young people.This sentence demonstrates how 'gergo' describes the language used by young people.Tatoeba #6169729 by Guybrush88, translation #6218102 by Tangobango
- Preferisco imparare la lingua letteraria, invece del linguaggio colloquiale o del gergo. Ho incontrato altri appassionati di lingue che sono esattamente l'opposto.I prefer learning literary language, instead of colloquial language or slang. I have met other language enthusiasts who are just the opposite.This sentence contrasts 'gergo' with literary and colloquial language.Tatoeba #10560381 by carlosalberto, translation #10559281 by nonong
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a technical lecture.
- SofiaIl professore usa un gergo molto difficile.The professor uses a very difficult jargon.
- AlessandroSì, non riesco a seguirlo.Yes, I cannot follow him.
- SofiaDovremmo studiare i termini tecnici insieme.We should study the technical terms together.
- AlessandroOttima idea, Sofia.Great idea, Sofia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gergo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gergo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
