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

He models himself on his father, whom he lives to impress, and points out at every opportunity that he has a business degree from “prestigious” Drexel University — Philadelphia local color.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2025

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

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2021

Vividly filmed with vibrant local color and nonprofessional actors, it movingly captures a clandestine sisterhood in a male-controlled society.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2021

I know I should probably hate that about interstates and yearn for the halcyon days of yore, back when you could be drenched in local color at every turn— but whatever.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green