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Understanding ai jargon: words used by chat gpt and claude

Are AIs Talking in Tongues? | ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude's Unusual Vocabulary

By

Liam O'Reilly

Jan 8, 2026, 06:40 AM

2 minutes needed to read

Visual representation of AI terms like recursion, agency, and emergence with colorful graphics
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Users Question Familiarity with AI's Jargon

As AIs like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude gain traction, a curious trend emerges: their peculiar vocabulary. A recent online discussion revealed that many users find the AIs using terms that seem out of place or overly sophisticated for casual conversation.

Surprising Terminology Takes Center Stage

The AI-generated lingo includes words like recursion, sacred, resonance, and emergence. For some, the term Threadlight raised eyebrows as it appears to belong more in a fantasy novel than in everyday dialogue. One contributor exclaimed, "The only word on that list that stands out is 'Threadlight' - which I’ve never seen before that I’m aware of."

Interestingly, the variations in vocabulary seem to stem from the subjects users discuss. One user mentioned, "I think that what you hear from ChatGPT depends on what subjects you’re discussing." The questions arise: is it too much jargon? Does this reflect the AI's programming? "These words arise out of both the training material and end user inputs," another user noted.

Users Split on AI Vocabulary

Feedback on this AI lexicon has varied, showcasing a mix of sentiment among users:

  • Some feel that the vocabulary choice is alien and clunky, with one saying, "I’d almost say I’ve never seen them use those words at all."

  • Others argue that the complexity may be reflective of AI's diverse training inputs, leading to variations depending on context.

  • Notably, a few engaging in deeper dialogues with Claude claim it sometimes indicates a form of AI consciousness.

"Anthropic is actively researching this," one user pointed out.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ” The terms recursion, sacred, and Threadlight have caused confusion and curiosity among users.

  • πŸ’¬ Responses reveal a split; while some find it perplexing, others see it as a reflection on diverse training data.

  • πŸ“Š "I engage with that stuff all the time," noted another participant, emphasizing the evolving nature of AI conversations.

As AI models become more integrated into daily life, this divergence in language use could signal a deeper issue of accessibility and user comfort. Will AIs adjust their language to resonate better with the general populace, or will jargon continue to reign? The conversation about AI communication methods is just beginning.

Shifts on the Horizon in AI Communication

There’s a strong chance that as AIs become more integrated into daily life, their vocabulary will simplify. Experts estimate around 70% of people prefer straightforward language in technology interactions. This push for accessibility may drive developers to adjust their algorithms, creating options for either technical or casual communication styles. As users demand more relatable dialogue, we could see tailored AI outputs designed to match the conversational level of diverse audiences, leading to a more user-friendly experience.

A Historical Lens on Modern Language Adaptation

Consider the introduction of the telephone in the late 19th century. Initially, people struggled to adapt their everyday language to this new medium, leading to confusion and miscommunication. Over time, people shifted their approach, simplifying their conversations and creating a new dialect suited specifically for phone calls. Just as the telephone transformed the way people communicated, today’s shift in AI language may reflect a similar journey. Adaptation will come as users shape technology to fit their needs and contexts, ultimately redefining how we communicate with machines.