parlance
parlance
Pronunciation
The word parlance is pronounced as: /ˈpɑːrləns/
Syllable Breakdown
Par-: Starts with a voiceless bilabial plosive /p/, followed by an open-mid back unrounded vowel /ɑː/ and a rhotic alveolar approximant /r/.
-lance: Begins with an alveolar lateral approximant /l/, followed by a mid-central vowel (schwa) /ə/, and ends with a voiceless alveolar sibilant /n/s/.
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: Parlance
Plural Noun: Parlances (though less common, used when referring to multiple specific styles of speech)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A particular manner of speaking or a specific vocabulary used by a certain group of people, often associated with a profession, social circle, or field of study. It refers to the "common talk" or idiom prevalent in a specific context.
Synonyms: Jargon, lingo, idiom, phraseology, vernacular, slang, patois.
Antonyms: Standard English (in a general sense), silence, quiet.
Verb (Archaic/Rare)
Definition: To speak or debate; to use a specific mode of speech to communicate ideas. While the modern usage is almost exclusively a noun, historically it relates to the act of parleying or discussing.
Synonyms: Converse, speak, parley, discourse.
Antonyms: Listen, refrain, ignore.
Adjective (Derivative)
Definition: While "parlance" does not have a common direct adjective form (like "parlancial"), it is often used attributively in phrases like "parlance patterns," though "linguistic" or "idiomatic" are the functional equivalents.
Synonyms: Idiomatic, linguistic, dialectal.
Antonyms: Nonverbal, universal.
Examples of Use
Books and Literature
"In the parlance of the Victorian era, a 'calling card' was not merely a piece of paper, but a vital instrument of social navigation and class standing." (H.L. Montgomery, The Social Fabric)
Newspapers and Journalism
"In modern political parlance, the term 'swing state' has become shorthand for the handful of regions that effectively decide the presidency." (The New York Times, November 2024)
Online Publications and Tech Media
"What we call 'ghosting' in common internet parlance is actually a complex psychological phenomenon rooted in avoidant attachment styles." (Psychology Today, March 2023)
Entertainment and Pop Culture
"In the parlance of the heist film, the 'one last job' is the narrative pivot that justifies the protagonist's return to a life of crime." (Film Inquiry, June 2022)
Legal and Academic Discourse
"The defendant’s actions, while questionable in lay parlance, do not meet the statutory definition of 'negligence' as required by state law." (State Appellate Court Records)
General Public Discourse
"In sports parlance, being a 'benchwarmer' might sound negative, but on a championship team, every role is seen as essential to the win."
10 Quotes Using Parlance
“Profanity is the parlance of the fool.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
“A young trophy wife, in the parlance of our times, you know.” (The Big Lebowski)
“The generalizations of science or, in common parlance, the laws of nature are merely hypotheses devised to explain that ever-shifting phantasmagoria of thought.” (Sir James George Frazer)
“In common parlance, the landmine is the perfect soldier—the eternal sentry.” (Jody Williams)
“If I cared for influence, my first step toward it would be to be called, in common parlance, ‘slow but sure.’” (R.D. Blackmore, Lorna Doone)
“His whole face tended towards the nose—it was what, in common parlance, is known as a ‘pitcher-mug.’” (Nikolai Gogol)
“In modern parlance, we use the idiom ‘there’s method in my madness’ to convey that there’s a reason behind our seemingly inane actions.” (Biography)
“In the parlance of the sea, he was what is called a ‘sea-dog.’” (Herman Melville, Billy Budd)
“In legal parlance, a peppercorn is a metaphor for a very small cash payment or other nominal consideration.” (Wikipedia)
“In the parlance of the book, districts are used to represent states.” (Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games)
Etymology
The word parlance has a sophisticated lineage that traces back to the act of speaking as a social and formal exchange.
The Etymological Journey
1. Old French Roots
The word originates from the Old French term parlance, which simply meant "speech" or "discourse." This was derived from the verb parler, meaning "to speak." If you’ve ever heard the word parley (a discussion between enemies) or parlor (originally a room designated for conversation), they all share this same French ancestor.
2. Medieval Latin Influence
Deeper back, it stems from the Medieval Latin parabolare, which translates to "to discourse" or "to talk." Interestingly, this Latin root comes from parabola, meaning "comparison" or "parable." This suggests that the heart of the word is not just making noise, but communicating through structured ideas or stories.
First Known Use and Original Meaning
Timeline: The word first appeared in the English language during the mid-15th century (specifically around the 1430s to 1450s).
Original Meaning: When it first entered English, it carried a more literal and active meaning than it does today. It referred to the act of speaking or debate.
Evolution: Over time, the meaning shifted from the act of talking to the style of talking. By the late 16th century, it began to represent the specific idiom or "lingo" associated with particular groups, which is how we primarily use it today.
Fun Fact: While we now use "parlance" to describe technical jargon (like "medical parlance"), its earliest English users would have used it to describe any general conversation or formal debate.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Parlance
Direct Phrases
In common parlance: The most frequent usage, referring to how a term is used by the general public as opposed to technical experts.
In legal parlance: Used to introduce a term as it is strictly defined within the judicial system.
In modern parlance: Refers to current slang, buzzwords, or contemporary ways of describing a concept.
Medical parlance: The specific vocabulary or "doctor-speak" used by healthcare professionals.
Layman’s parlance: Translating complex ideas into simple, everyday language that a non-expert can understand.
Idiomatic Expressions and Synonymous Phrases
Speak the same language: An idiom meaning to share the same professional parlance or inner-circle understanding.
In the vernacular: A phrase used to describe speaking in the native, everyday dialect of a specific place or group.
Learn the lingo: To become familiar with the specific parlance of a new job, hobby, or social environment.
Terms of art: A formal phrase referring to words that have a specific, technical meaning within a particular parlance.
Street parlance: An original phrase referring to the evolving slang and informal codes used in urban environments.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of parlance from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
