local color

American  

noun

1. distinctive, sometimes picturesque characteristics or peculiarities of a place or period as represented in literature or drama, or as observed in reality.

2. Fine Arts. the natural color of a particular object as it appears in normal light.

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Etymology

Origin of local color

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Hughes also predicted that global diets will become more uniform, since the loss of agricultural and livestock variety will lead to a loss of local color in diets.

From Salon • May 4, 2023

Whether you’re looking for the best neutral paint color for your home or you’re ready for something a bit outside your comfort zone, start by considering these 15 factors, with tips from local color experts.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2021

Here’s a region-by-region look at the status and quality of local color.

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2021

That sets him apart, at least, from the customary authors of similar screeds, visitors from outside parachuting in for a week or two to sponge up local color for their takes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2021

They’re tourists, from Japan it looks like, a trade delegation perhaps, on a tour of the historic landmarks or out for local color.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood