Paralexicon
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 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."
Example
More examples"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."
Etymology
* para- + lexicon
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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.