Colloquialism
Literary term · say it kuh-LOH-kwee-uh-liz-um
A colloquialism is an informal word or expression that people use in everyday conversation. In literature, colloquialisms can suggest a character’s background, show closeness between speakers, or give a narrator the easy manner of someone telling a story aloud.
Where colloquialism shows up
In dialogue
Characters may speak in casual phrases rather than formal language. Their everyday expressions can reveal familiarity, excitement, or their place in a community.
In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Ben Rogers teases Tom about whitewashing the fence, then asks for a turn. Their casual bargaining sounds like boys talking at play.
In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
In narration
A narrator may tell a story in the relaxed language of conversation. Informal words and turns of phrase can make the account feel personal and direct.
At the beginning of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck describes living with the Widow Douglas and resisting her rules. His informal expressions make the account feel like a spoken story.
In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
How to spot colloquialism
- Look for words or phrases that would sound natural in casual conversation.
- Compare them with the language of a formal letter or report.
- Notice what they suggest about the speaker and the situation.
What is the difference between colloquialism and slang?
A colloquialism is any everyday informal expression, while slang is often tied to a particular group or period. The two can overlap, but many colloquialisms are widely understood and stay familiar long after fashionable slang has faded.
What is the difference between colloquialism and dialect?
A colloquialism is an informal expression, while a dialect is a broader variety of language associated with a region or social group. A dialect includes patterns of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation; a colloquialism may be familiar across several dialects.
Related terms
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