Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Colloquial refers to informal language used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. It includes slang, regional expressions, and idioms specific to certain groups or communities.
Related terms
Dialect: A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a certain group.
Jargon: Specialized vocabulary used by people in a particular profession or field.
Vernacular: The native language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a specific region.