FOSS · Free

Jargon

A fully offline reader for the Jargon File, the original hacker culture dictionary

Available on: Android · iOS · Web

Web Reader F-Droid Google Play App Store Source

Jargon is a reader for the Jargon File — the hacker culture dictionary that gave the word "hacker" its original meaning, decades before it came to mean "cracker." Read it on the web, get the Android app from F-Droid or Google Play, or download the iOS app from the App Store.

Screenshots

iOS

Jargon app showing the dictionary definition of hacker on iOS
Read complete definitions
Jargon app browsing an alphabetical list of dictionary entries on iOS
Browse more than 2,300 entries
Jargon app showing linked cross-references in the definition of bug on iOS
Follow linked cross-references
Jargon app showing favorite dictionary entries on iOS
Keep favorite entries close
Jargon app information and licensing screen on iOS
Review source and licensing details
Jargon app browsing an alphabetical list of dictionary entries on iPad
Browse entries on iPad
Jargon app searching the offline dictionary on iPad
Search instantly on iPad
Jargon app showing a complete dictionary definition on iPad
Read complete definitions on iPad
Jargon app showing a favorite dictionary entry on iPad
Favorite entries on iPad
Jargon app filtering favorite dictionary entries on iPad
Filter favorites on iPad
Jargon app information and licensing screen on iPad
Review app details on iPad

Android

Jargon app browsing an alphabetical list of dictionary entries
Browse more than 2,300 entries
Jargon app searching the offline dictionary
Search instantly, entirely offline
Jargon app showing the dictionary definition of hacker
Follow definitions and cross-references
Jargon app showing linked cross-references in a dictionary definition on Android
Jump between cross-referenced terms
Jargon app showing favorite dictionary entries on Android
Keep favorite entries close
Jargon app information and licensing screen on Android
Review source and licensing details
Jargon app showing recently viewed dictionary entries on Android
Return to recently viewed entries

Compiled by Eric S. Raymond and Guy L. Steele and continued today as a community project, the Jargon File is the closest thing hacking has to an etymology.

Over 2,300 entries, all bundled in the app:

Zero permissions. Zero network access, ever — the dictionary ships inside the app, favorites stay on your device, nothing is ever sent anywhere. No accounts, no ads, no analytics.

Dictionary content is CC BY-SA 4.0 from the Jargon File community edition. App source is GPL-3.0.

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Support

Jargon is free, with no ads or tracking. If it's useful to you, you can sponsor its development on GitHub.

Feedback and privacy

Feedback, bug reports, and suggestions are welcome through the contact form or on GitHub. Read the Jargon privacy policy.