What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colloquialism
Example
Hey, what's up? is a colloquialism for asking how someone is doing. [colloquialism: noun]
Example
I gotta go now. See ya later! is an example of colloquial language. [colloquial: adjective]
idiom
Example
It's raining cats and dogs means it's raining heavily. [idiom: noun]
Example
She's feeling under the weather means she's not feeling well. [idiomatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colloquialism is more commonly used than idiom in everyday language. Colloquialisms are frequently used in informal conversations, while idioms are more commonly encountered in literature, proverbs, and cultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colloquialism and idiom?
While colloquialism is associated with a casual and informal tone, idiom can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Idioms are often used to add color and expressiveness to writing and speech, making them suitable for various formality levels.
