Colloquial
/kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
Meaning & Definition
adjective
Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
His use of colloquial expressions made the conversation feel more relaxed and friendly.
Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to informal writing.
The novel’s colloquial style made it accessible to a wider audience.
Related to a particular region or group of people.
She often used regional colloquial terms that were unfamiliar to outsiders.
Etymology
From Latin 'colloquialis', from 'colloquium', meaning 'conversation'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
colloquial expressions
Informal phrases commonly used in spoken language.
colloquially speaking
In casual language; informally.
Related Words
vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.
slang
Informal language, often specific to a particular group.
Slang Meanings
Chit-chat
We were just having some chit-chat about weekend plans.
Street lingo
He speaks in street lingo that some people might not understand.