Yet, a doctor is just as likely to refer to diapers as “nappies” if that’s the colloquial word for it where she lives.Įven those who agree that slang words and jargon are generally distinct from colloquialisms, it is possible for words and phrases that start as slang or jargon to become part of a region’s colloquial vocabulary.
Jargon is mostly technical terms used by people in a particular profession people outside those professions typically don’t use those words in everyday speech.Ī doctor might use words like “idiopathic” and “iatrogenic” in a sentence with peers or even with patients, but most non-medical people will only use them when quoting a medical professional. Slang includes unique words, expressions (and even cliches) spoken in specific social groups (like teenagers), while colloquialisms are usually spoken by everyone in a particular geographic region.Ī teenager might use a slang word like “swag” or “sick” to describe something that meets their approval, while older age groups in the same region typically won’t.īut a teenager is just as likely to use the phrase “pop” instead of cola, or “biscuit” instead of cookie if the people in their region do the same. Now that we know what we’re talking about, let’s deal with two things that often get mixed up with colloquialisms: slang and jargon. So, as a literary device, it helps make your dialogue sound more realistic. In other words, it’s how people talk in a casual conversation. It’s the language most often used in informal situations between ordinary people. Typically, when discussing colloquialism (kuh-LOH-kwee-uh-liz-um), we’re talking about language specific to a designated country or region. Most dictionaries define colloquialisms as words or phrases that are neither formal nor literary – meaning they are informal, unfancy, everyday language.
Ready to learn how to have more fun with your writing - and to make it more fun for your readers, too? But you’re about to learn why sometimes colloquial expressions fit better. Colloquial usage helps you, as a writer, build familiarity and trust with your readers.įormal writing has its place. Quick question: When was the last time you enjoyed a story where all the characters spoke perfect, formal American English, regardless of their background?Ĭolloquial language makes characters and stories more interesting and, if their background is similar to yours, more relatable. Maybe you’re just now learning about colloquialisms, or maybe you’re a seasoned writer looking for ways to add flavor to your prose.Įither way, this post will define what colloquialisms are and provide plenty of examples to make it clear as day. If you’re looking for colloquialism examples, then you’re in the right place.