colloquial

Everyday

1. Colloquial language is the informal, everyday way people talk with friends and family, not the careful language of books, letters and exams. tree →
2. A colloquial word or phrase is one used mainly in casual speech, such as «gonna», «telly» or «kids». tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils learn to tell colloquial language from formal language and to choose the right one: colloquial for chats and stories with dialogue, formal for reports and exam answers. Dictionaries mark such words «informal» or «colloquial». Phrases: colloquial speech, colloquial English, colloquial expression.

Examples

• «Kids» is a colloquial word for children. tree →
• In your report, avoid colloquial words like «stuff» and «loads». tree →
• The characters in the story speak in colloquial English. tree →
• «Arvo» is a colloquial Australian word for afternoon. tree →
• Our teacher explained that «gonna» is colloquial for «going to». tree →
• Colloquially, people say «cheers» to mean «thank you». tree →
• The book is written in a chatty, colloquial style. tree →
• The colloquial manner rarely rises to the dignified, and the essence of the folk-tale manner in English is colloquial. tree →

Note

Spelling: double «l» — col-LO-qui-al. It does not mean rude or wrong; colloquial language is normal for talking, just not for formal writing. Opposite: formal. Related noun: colloquialism (a colloquial word or phrase).