Unusual Words (3.1.3 – Level AAA)

Define any unusual words or phrases.

Introduction

Some of your users will find it hard to read unusual uses of words on your website. Things like figurative language, idioms and jargon can be difficult to process. Users who read your content zoomed in may struggle with unusual words if they can’t see the context around them.

Avoid using unusual words where you can and explain the use of words when you need to use them.

How to Pass ‘Unusual Words’

• Avoid using technical, figurative or idiomatic words and phrases.
  
• If you need to use an unusual word or phrase, you can explain the meaning to your users by:
  
  • Showing the meaning in the text (for example, ‘I like bass. A bass is a fish.’); or
  • Showing the meaning in brackets (for example, ‘I like bass (a type of fish)’; or
  • Linking the word to a definition on a glossary page on your website; or
  • Linking the word to a definition footnote on the same page.

‘Unusual Words’ Tips

• If your use of an unusual word always means the same thing, you only have to define it the first time.
  
• If your use of an unusual word changes, you must define the word on every occasion (for example, a bass might be a type of fish in one paragraph and a musical instrument in another).
  
• Always define technical terms and jargon that any user might not understand depending on their familiarity with the subject.
  
• Wherever possible, avoid using jargon and idioms. These are bad for novices in your industry and users who don’t natively speak your language.

See Also

• Abbreviations
• Reading Level
• Pronunciation
• Understanding Success Criterion 3.1.3 (W3C)