Patois vs. Argot — What's the Difference?

Patois (, pl. same or ) is speech or language that is considered nonstandard, although the term is not formally defined in linguistics.

A specialized vocabulary or set of idioms used by a particular group

The dialect of a particular region, especially one with low status in relation to the standard language of the country

A secret language or conventional slang peculiar to thieves, tramps and vagabonds.

A regional dialect, especially one without a literary tradition.

The specialized informal vocabulary and terminology used between people with special skill in a field, such as between doctors, mathematicians or hackers.

Nonstandard speech.

A secret language or conventional slang peculiar to thieves, tramps, and vagabonds; flash.

The special jargon of a group; cant.

A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);

Variant of Patwa.

A regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard.

Any of various French or Occitan dialects spoken in France.

Creole French in the Caribbean (especially in Dominica, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti).

(Jamaica) Jamaican Patois, a Jamaican creole language primarily based on English and African languages but also has influences from Spanish, Portuguese and Hindi.

Jargon or cant.

A dialect peculiar to the illiterate classes; a provincial form of speech.

A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);

A regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard