Here's why:
* Shop talk: This term refers to the casual conversation that happens within a particular profession or trade. It often involves using specialized vocabulary and slang that only people in that field understand.
* Trade jargon: This term specifically refers to the unique vocabulary and slang used by a particular trade. It can include technical terms, abbreviations, and slang phrases that are specific to the work they do.
Examples of trade jargon:
* Electricians: "hot" (meaning live wire), "ground fault"
* Plumbers: "saddle valve," "sweat joint"
* Carpenters: "framing lumber," "rough opening"
* Construction workers: "backfill," "rebar"
Characteristics of trade jargon:
* Efficiency: Trade jargon can be a shorthand way to communicate complex ideas quickly.
* Intimacy: It can create a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among members of the trade.
* Exclusionary: It can sometimes be difficult for outsiders to understand, creating a barrier between tradespeople and the general public.
So, while it might not have a single, universally accepted term, "shop talk" and "trade jargon" are the most common ways to refer to the specialized informal English used by tradespeople.