Cant

Part of Speech

Noun / Verb

Pronunciation

/kænt/

Definitions

• 1. (Noun) Insincere or hypocritical talk, especially that of a moral, religious, or political nature.
• 2. (Noun) A jargon or language used by a particular group, often unintelligible to outsiders.
• 3. (Verb) To speak in a pompous or insincere manner.
• 4. (Verb) To use jargon or specialized language.

Usage Examples

• The politician’s speech was filled with cant, aimed at securing votes rather than addressing real issues.
• He couldn't understand the cant of the technical experts at the conference.
• She began to cant, using words that sounded important but meant little to the average person.
• The group communicated using cant that was unintelligible to those outside their profession.

Etymology

The word "cant" originates from the Old French "canter," meaning to sing or chant, which in turn comes from the Latin "cantare," meaning to sing. Over time, the term evolved to refer to hypocritical or insincere speech, especially that of clergy or religious figures. The modern sense of cant as a jargon or specialized language also developed in the 18th century.

Synonyms

• Hypocrisy
• Insincerity
• Jargon
• Talk
• Baloney

Antonyms

• Honesty
• Sincerity
• Truth
• Authenticity
• Genuineness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, "cant" is pronounced with a hard "c" sound, while in others, it may sound softer or with a regional twist. The term may be used with a distinct accent depending on geographic location, such as the difference between British English and American English.

Historical Usage

Historically, "cant" referred to the secret language of beggars, criminals, or marginalized groups. It was a term used to describe a specialized jargon that was unintelligible to outsiders. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass insincere or pretentious speech.

Cultural Nuances

The word "cant" often carries a negative connotation, particularly when referring to religious or moral discourse. It is commonly used to criticize individuals or groups who are seen as hypocritical, pretending to be virtuous while failing to practice what they preach.

More Information

The word "cant" has evolved from its original association with a secretive language used by marginalized groups to a term that refers to insincere, preachy, or hypocritical language. It is often used pejoratively to suggest that the speaker is not being genuine, especially when discussing moral or political matters. In modern usage, "cant" is also commonly associated with jargon or technical language used by specific professions or subcultures, though it is often implied to be opaque or unnecessarily complex.