paralexicon

English

Etymology

• para- +‎ lexicon

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pæɹəˈlɛksɪkɒn/
• Hyphenation: para‧lex‧i‧con

Noun

paralexicon (plural paralexica)

1. A parallel set of vocabulary within a language, e.g. a formal register, ritual language or secret cant, code switching
   • A frequent function of the paralexicon is secrecy. […] Sometimes the paralexicon is acquired during childhood as a first language, Ma'a [a paralexicon of Mbugu] for example. In many cases it is acquired later, such as registers of respect, initiation languages and languages created by adolescents.

     Norval Smith & Tonjes Veenstra (2001) Creolization and Contact, p. 121–122.

Derived terms

• paralexical
• paralexification

Related terms

• 敬語 keigo