tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Mon Sep 29 09:41:50 2003
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Re: Klingon WOTD: tlhach mu'mey (n)
>This is the Klingon Word Of The Day for Monday, September 29, 2003.
>
>Klingon word: tlhach mu'mey
>Part of Speech: noun
>Definition: argot, jargon
>
>Additional Notes: KGT p. 45.
As explained by Okrand:
"Practitioners of a great many activities have developed specialized
vocabulary or uses of words in order to label the tools of their trade or
to express subtle distinctions. such specialized language is known in
Klingon as {tlhach mu'mey} (literally, 'faction words'). A good Federation
Standard equivalent would be 'argot' or 'jargon'. Interestingly, some
fairly common words in Klingon began as {tlhach mu'mey} and then, over
time, spread to general usage, often with altered meanings. For example,
knowledge of the language of warfare is fairly widespread, as might be
expected given that the most striking characteristic of the Klingon Empire
is that it is a warrior society. Similarly, terminology associated with
food is well known. On the other hand, much specialized vocabulary
pertaining to other endeavors remains practically unused except by experts
in the particular fields (though most well-educated Klingons probably are
familiar with it).
"While it is not possible to go into every aspect of the various Klingon
subcultures here, some examples of the {tlhach mu'mey} associated with
certain fields are presented below. Even if a visitor never engages in any
of these activities directly, understanding these words is a good way to
gain a more complete comprehension of Klingon culture. At the very least,
these words are always useful for showing off." (KGT 45-46)
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons