colloquials
Everyday speech terms
Colloquials are informal words or expressions characteristic of casual speech rather than formal writing.
The term refers to language that feels conversational—slang, contractions, regional expressions: The dictionary includes many colloquials that wouldn't appear in academic prose.
Linguists use the term neutrally; it describes register, not correctness.
Informal in-group vocabulary
- vernacularEveryday regional speech
- idiomsFixed figurative expressions
- informal speechRelaxed, conversational language
- dialectRegional language variety
jargon · cant · patois · argot · lingo · parlance · expressions · everyday language
Region-specific vocabulary items
- provincialismsLocal speech or attitudes
- AmericanismsUS-specific language features
- BritishismsUK-specific vocabulary
- AustralianismsDistinctive expressions from down under
Ordinary spoken phrases
- conversational toneInformal, natural speaking style
- loose talkUnguarded, indiscreet speech
- spontaneous speechUnrehearsed verbal expression
slang
Informal in-group vocabulary
- vernacularEveryday regional speech
- idiomsFixed figurative expressions
- informal speechRelaxed, conversational language
dialect · jargon · cant · patois · argot · lingo · parlance · expressions · everyday language · nonstandard
localisms
Region-specific vocabulary items
- provincialismsLocal speech or attitudes
- AmericanismsUS-specific language features
- BritishismsUK-specific vocabulary
everyday expressions
Ordinary spoken phrases
- conversational toneInformal, natural speaking style
- loose talkUnguarded, indiscreet speech
- spontaneous speechUnrehearsed verbal expression
colloquialsformal language
Elevated, rule-governed expression
officialese · legalese · technical terminology · diplomatic language · jargon
colloquialswritten language
Communication through inscribed symbols
high style · prepared speech · purple prose · belles-lettres · rhetorical flourishes
- colloquial termsInformal everyday expressions
- colloquial languageInformal everyday speech
- colloquial speechInformal everyday language
colloquial, colloquialism, colloquially, colloquialisms, colloquia