Cant (language)

A cant or cryptolect is a characteristic or secret language used only by specific members of a group, often used to conceal the meaning from those outside the group.

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In particular, "Cant" is a term used sometimes specifically to refer to Shelta (alternatively known as Sheldru, Gammon, or The Cant), the cryptolectic language of Irish Travellers based on Irish Gaelic and English. The word itself comes from the Gaelic word caint, meaning speaking.

Related Topics:
Shelta - Irish Traveller - Irish Gaelic - English

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An example of a cant language which has been introduced widely into the mainstream is the homosexual Polari language which was used extensively in the BBC radio series Round the Horne during the 1960s.

Related Topics:
Homosexual - Polari - BBC - Round the Horne - 1960s

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