---
url: "https://questionstar.com/principles-of-survey-research/chapter-3/slide-090.html"
title: "Avoid Jargon, Slang and Abbreviations"
type: "lehrbuch-slide"
chapter: 3
chapterTitle: "Questionnaire"
slide: 90
---

# Avoid Jargon, Slang and Abbreviations

*Use simple, everyday words — no technical terms, no jargon. Every respondent must understand the question immediately.*

### Simple words

Use **simple, everyday words** — no technical terms, no jargon. Every respondent must understand the question immediately.

![Slang and abbreviations: WTF, FYI, LOL, ASAP …](/principles-of-survey-research/media/slang_bubbles.png)

### Example

"Do you believe that the distribution of soft drinks is adequate?"

### Ask instead

"Are soft drinks easy to find whenever you want to buy them?"

### Also unclear

"State your adjusted net income for the past year."

---

*Slide 90 of 274 · Chapter 3: Questionnaire · Principles of Survey Research · Dr. Paul Marx*