There are some standard methods of jargonification that became
established quite early (i.e., before 1970), spreading from such
sources as the Tech Model Railroad Club, the PDP-1 SPACEWAR
hackers, and John McCarthy's original crew of LISPers. These
include verb doubling, soundalike slang, the `-P' convention,
overgeneralization, spoken inarticulations, and
anthropomorphization. Each is discussed below. We also cover the
standard comparatives for design quality.
Of these six, verb doubling, overgeneralization,
anthropomorphization, and (especially) spoken inarticulations
have become quite general; but soundalike slang is still largely
confined to MIT and other large universities, and the `-P'
convention is found only where LISPers flourish.
Verb Doubling: Doubling a verb
may change its semantics
Soundalike Slang: Punning
jargon
The -P convention: A
LISPy way to form questions
Overgeneralization:
Standard abuses of grammar
Spoken
Inarticulations: Sighing and <*sigh*>ing
Anthropomorphization:
Homunculi, daemons, and confused programs
Comparatives: Standard
comparatives for design quality