3 ms·

You make me wonder if perhaps new languages evolved for exactly this purpose. To conceal ideas and thoughts from the enemy.

• Intermernet 7y ago
  There are elements of this. Two examples: 1. Younger generations develop colloquial terms that the older generations don't understand. This allows the younger generation to communicate more freely. 2. Highly specialised positions develop "jargon" which, although arguably allows more accurate and concise communication, also allows elements of protectionism and in-group gatekeeping. Both of these examples are more complex than just "To conceal ideas and thoughts from the enemy", but it's definitely a motivating factor in language evolution.
  • beefalo 7y ago
    Do you have any citations for [1]? My intuition is that it's no different than the jargon mentioned in [2], more of just a made up term to more accurately/efficiently communicate.
    • Intermernet 7y ago
      No citations, just personal experience :-) Many nicknames for drugs, code words for parties, colloquial terms for sex have survived the 20+ years since I last had to use them. EDIT: An interesting article that may aid in further research: https://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2016/apr/08/in-with-the-in-crowd-secret-languages-can-confuse-exclude-or-empower https://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2016/ap...
• nxpnsv 7y ago
  It certainly has happened, but there are many other reasons. An almost modern example https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polari https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polari