paralexicon

para·lex·i·con
P3A1R1A1L1E1X8I1C3O1N1
/pæɹəˈlɛksɪkɒn/

noun

A parallel set of vocabulary within a language, e.g. a formal register, ritual language or secret cant, code switching

Scrabble 22
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Meanings

nounparalexicon (plural paralexica)

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.

Origin

* para- + lexicon

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

paralexicon. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/paralexicon

MLA

“paralexicon.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/paralexicon. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “paralexicon,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/paralexicon.

Source: paralexicon on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.