localisms
Area-specific speech patterns
Localisms are words, phrases, or expressions used only in a particular region or locality.
Every area develops its own vocabulary—terms for local landmarks, weather patterns, foods, or customs that outsiders wouldn't recognize: The guidebook explained several localisms that confused tourists.
The term also covers regional pronunciations or grammatical quirks that mark someone as being from a specific place.
Regional language variety
- vernacularEveryday regional speech
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
- slangInformal in-group vocabulary
- colloquialismCasual conversational expression
regionalism · patois · argot · jargon · provincialism · speech patterns · accent · pronunciation
Culturally inherited local practices
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- neighborhood characterMemorable area resident
- sense of placeAttachment to locale
community identity · regional pride · hometown spirit · native customs · indigenous practices
Area-specific traditional foods
- specialty foodsPremium culinary products
- traditional recipesInherited cooking instructions
- native ingredientsFoods originating in a region
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
regional flavors · artisanal foods · indigenous cuisine · street food · seasonal dishes · heirloom varieties
Place-based aesthetic variations
- neighborhood characterMemorable area resident
- domestic traditionsInherited household practices
dialect
Regional language variety
- vernacularEveryday regional speech
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
- slangInformal in-group vocabulary
colloquialism · regionalism · patois · argot · jargon · provincialism · speech patterns · accent · pronunciation · vocabulary
regional traditions
Culturally inherited local practices
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- neighborhood characterMemorable area resident
sense of place · community identity · regional pride · hometown spirit · native customs · indigenous practices
regional dishes
Area-specific traditional foods
- specialty foodsPremium culinary products
- traditional recipesInherited cooking instructions
- native ingredientsFoods originating in a region
terroir · regional flavors · artisanal foods · indigenous cuisine · street food · seasonal dishes · heirloom varieties
regional styles
Place-based aesthetic variations
- neighborhood characterMemorable area resident
- domestic traditionsInherited household practices
- dialectregionalisms, vernacular, rural dialect, patois, provincialisms
- Regional Slangy'all, bless your heart, cattywampus, ope, you betcha
- slangslang, jargon, lingo, argot, cant
- dialectsregional dialect, patois, vernaculars, vernacular, regional dialects
localismsuniversalisms
Doctrines applying to everyone
universals · standard language · globalisms · common parlance · lingua franca
localismsstandard language
Codified, official linguistic form
Queen's English · formal language · official language · BBC English
localismsglobalisms
Pro-world-unity ideologies
global English · borrowings · loanwords · borrowed terms · technical terminology