Language

This language vocabulary lesson will help you use the words jargon, statement, slogan, remark, cliché , sound bite, nugget, terminology, figure of speech and adage, correctly.

(–) jargon  uncountable noun  special words and phrases that are used by a group of people and that are difficult for others to understand

  • Normal people don’t understand legal jargon.

 

(a) statement  noun  a definite and clear expression of something in speech, writing or action

  • The prime minister stood up and made a statement about her plans for Brexit.

 

(a) slogan  noun  a short phrase that is easy to remember and is used to advertise something

  • The World’s Local Bank is a famous slogan for HSBC.

 

(a) remark  noun  a few words of opinion or thought

  • She once famously made the remark that there was no such thing as society.

 

(a) cliché  noun  a phrase or idea that is boring because people use it a lot and it is no longer original

  • His description of the game was full of clichés.

 

(a) sound bite  noun  a short sentence or phrase said publicly, especially by a politician

  • Most politicians only speak using sound bites now.

 

(a) nugget  noun  a small piece of information that is very useful or important

  • My idea is a little nugget!

 

(–) terminology  uncountable noun  the words and phrases used in connection with a particular subject or activity

  • Understanding medical terminology doesn’t mean you are a good doctor.

 

(a) figure of speech  noun  an expression that uses words to mean something different from their normal meaning

  • When I say break a leg it is only a figure of speech. I am really wishing you good luck.

 

(an) adage  noun  wise words about life

  • The old adage about things getting worse before they get better is certainly true at the moment.

 

Now watch the video lesson and then do the language vocabulary exercise