What is Industry Jargon naming anyway?
Why use common words when you can borrow insider terms? Instead of calling your platform 'WorkTool' (boring), you call it 'Slack' and suddenly people in the know get it, and everyone else learns something new. That's industry jargon naming.
Industry jargon names borrow insider terms for credibility. When someone hears 'Slack,' they don't think about the dictionary definition first — they think about the industry term: the time between tasks, the space for flexibility. That insider knowledge is why this naming technique works so damn well for brands that want to communicate expertise through industry language.
Why does industry jargon work so well in naming?
Industry jargon creates credibility. When you use insider terms, you sound like you know what you're doing. When done right, they create instant recognition among insiders, professional positioning, and names that stick because they're linked to expertise. When done wrong? You get a name that's too obscure or doesn't make sense.
The trick is picking jargon that actually enhances your brand. Not just random industry terms, but language that represents what you do. Slack works because it suggests flexibility in work. Others work for different reasons. That's the difference between strategic jargon borrowing and random industry word picking in naming.
What is Industry Jargon naming?
This is the part where you'd get the actual explanation — not fluff. Real naming insights you can use. But that's for subscribers. For everyone else: mystery and sadness.
The technique works by combining specific elements in a way that creates memorable, distinctive brand names. Learn exactly how with a subscription.
Real-World Examples
Slack — Industry term for flexibility in work. Perfect for work tools.
HubSpot — Industry term for central platform. Perfect for marketing tools.
Salesforce — Industry term for sales power. Perfect for CRM.
Workday — Industry term for work time. Perfect for HR tools.
ServiceNow — Industry term for service management. Perfect for IT tools.
Splunk — Industry term for data search. Perfect for analytics.
MongoDB — Industry term for database. Perfect for tech tools.
Kubernetes — Industry term for container orchestration. Perfect for DevOps.
When should you use Industry Jargon naming for your brand name or product name?
Creates credibility — insider terms suggest expertise
Works well for B2B and professional brands
Allows for industry-specific storytelling
Stands out from generic competitors
When should you avoid Industry Jargon naming for your brand name or product name?
Can be too obscure if jargon isn't well-known
Might confuse if term isn't clear to target audience
Less accessible than common words
When this technique works best
Creates memorable brand associations
Works well for consumer products
Easy to implement consistently
When to consider alternatives
May not suit all industries
Requires careful consideration
Cultural context matters
Step by step guide
How to use Industry Jargon in naming?
Figure out if industry jargon actually fits your brand. Not every company needs insider terms. If you want accessibility, maybe skip this route.
Selfstorm industry terms that match your brand. Use Selfstorm's naming creative session to explore options. What jargon? What terms? What resonates?
Test if the jargon works. Good industry jargon creates connection. If people don't know the term, it won't work. Show someone your name. Do they get the jargon?
Make sure it's not too obscure. Industry jargon needs to be known enough to work. If it's too niche, try again.
Check for negative associations. Does your jargon accidentally mean something bad? Does it remind people of something negative? Do your homework.
Plan how you'll explain the jargon. Industry jargon might need context. How will you introduce the name? If you can't answer this, reconsider.
Identify your brand values and attributes
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Brainstorm initial name concepts
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Apply the technique systematically
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Test and refine your options
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Here's an image card for your deck
