Bargoens

Bargoens is a historical sociolect, argot, or cant language spoken primarily in the Netherlands. It served as a secret language used by marginalized groups, including criminals, vagrants, traveling merchants, and others on the fringes of Dutch society. The primary function of Bargoens was to facilitate communication amongst its speakers while concealing the meaning from outsiders, especially authorities and the general public.

The vocabulary of Bargoens is derived from various sources, including Dutch dialects, Yiddish, Romani, and other European languages. It also incorporates neologisms (newly coined words) and modified versions of existing Dutch words. The grammar, for the most part, follows that of standard Dutch, though there can be some variations and simplified structures.

Bargoens began to develop as early as the 17th century, reaching its peak usage in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Increased social mobility, improved education, and the decline of traditional marginal communities have contributed to its decline. While Bargoens is not actively spoken today, traces of its vocabulary persist in some Dutch dialects and slang. It also remains of interest to linguists and historians studying the social history of the Netherlands. Documenting and understanding Bargoens provides insights into the lives and experiences of those who lived outside the mainstream of Dutch society and the strategies they employed to protect themselves and their interests.