Colloquialism
A
colloquialism is an expression not used in formal
speech or writing. Colloquialisms can include words (such as "gonna" or "grouty"), phrases (such as "ain't nothin'" and "dead as a doornail"), or sometimes even an entire
aphorism ("There's more than one way to skin a cat"). Dictionaries often display colloquial words and phrases with the abbreviation
colloq. Colloquialisms are often used primarily within a limited geographical area.
In some areas, overuse of colloquialisms by
native speakers is regarded as a sign of substandard ability with the language. However, in the mouth of a non-native speaker, they are sometimes taken as signaling unusual facility with the language as they may be more difficult for non-native speakers to understand.
A colloquialism can sometimes make its way into otherwise formal speech, as a sign that the speaker is comfortable with his or her audience, in contrast to slang, which if used in formal speech is more likely done so consciously for humorous effect.
Words that have a formal meaning may also have a colloquial meaning that, while technically incorrect, is recognizeable due to common usage.
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Slang*
Jargon*
Idiom*
Variety (linguistics)A colloquialism is often referred to a speaking engagement that a group of people participate in that also share a common knowledge of the subject matter.
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Figures of Speech - It Figures
