Colloquialisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Informal terms or phrases prevalent in casual spoken language that convey regional or cultural identity
2. Expressions commonly used in relaxed conversation that may vary by locality and reflect everyday speech practices
3. Words or phrases typical of everyday speech that are informal and often specific to particular groups or regions

Etymology: The Latin root "loqui" (to speak) sits at the heart of this word, though it reached English through a fairly roundabout route. Latin "colloquium" meant a conversation or talking together, built from "com-" (together) and "loqui." English borrowed the Latin idea as "colloquy," a formal discussion, and later took the adjective "colloquial" from the same Latin base, with the "-al" ending arriving through French. The word "colloquialism" was then formed in English by adding the suffix "-ism" to "colloquial," producing a noun for a expression typical of informal speech. The "-ism" element comes from Ancient Greek "-ismos," which typically formed nouns of action, practice, or characteristic usage, so the word simply names a feature of everyday talk.

Synonyms: slang, informalities

Antonyms: formal language, standard language