colloquialism

American  

[kuh-loh-kwee-uh-liz-uhm] / kəˈloʊ kwi əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. a colloquial expression.

2. colloquial style or usage.

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colloquialism British  

/ kəˈləʊkwɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a word or phrase appropriate to conversation and other informal situations

2. the use of colloquial words and phrases

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Other Word Forms

• colloquialist noun

Etymology

Origin of colloquialism

First recorded in 1800–10; colloquial + -ism

Explanation

A saying that expresses something other than the literal meaning of the words it contains is a colloquialism, like saying "I wasn't born yesterday," to mean "you can't fool me." Colloquialism comes from the Latin word colloquium meaning "conference, conversation," or literally "a speaking together." When you talk, colloquialisms are so common, you might not be aware you are using them — that is, until one comes up that is unfamiliar to someone in the group. Explaining the meaning of a colloquialism shows just how strange or goofy these expressions really are.

Example Sentences

Hegseth flippantly employed villainous colloquialism – “they are toast and they know it,” “we play for keeps,” and “President Trump got the last laugh” – delivered with a combative tone that communicated masculine self-assurance.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

“I laugh because I’m like, con el nopal en la frente,” she said, lightly slapping her forehead after uttering a colloquialism often used to emphasize someone’s evident Mexican roots via their appearance.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

From the “daddy’s little girl” colloquialism to pop culture references such as “Daughters” or the #GirlDad hashtag, the fabled bond remains one of our most enduring touchstones.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2022

Electrical outlets reappear in his paintings, a reference to the colloquialism, “Are you plugged in?”

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2021

Webster clearly describes "onto" as a low provincialism or colloquialism.

From Writings in the United Amateur, 1915-1922 by Lovecraft, H. P. (Howard Phillips)