colloquialisms

A regional or cultural word or phrase used in informal conversation and everyday writing. It is often not recognized outside of a particular region or culture. Colloquialisms can include slang, idioms, and informal expressions.

Examples of colloquialisms in a sentence:

  • It’s wicked cold out today. (The colloquialism wicked is from eastern Massachusetts and means extremely.)
  • This room is a hot mess. (The phrase hot mess claims several origins and means chaos.)
  • I can’t wait to eat at that new jawn. (The colloquialism jawn is from Philadelphia and an all-purpose word.)
  • The nanny pushed the baby in the pram. (The British colloquialism pram is another word for carriage.)

In news, do not use colloquialisms except when said by a quoted source. If necessary, explain the colloquialism for the audience after the quote.

Also see idioms, jargon, and slang.

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