What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colloquialism
Example
In colloquial speech, people often use contractions like 'gonna' instead of 'going to'. [colloquialism: noun]
Example
He has a knack for using colloquial expressions that make everyone laugh. [colloquial: adjective]
slang
Example
Teenagers often use slang words like 'lit' or 'on fleek' to describe something cool or fashionable. [slang: noun]
Example
She has a unique way of speaking with a mix of slang and colloquial expressions. [slang: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colloquialism is more commonly used than slang in everyday language. Colloquialism is often employed to create a friendly and familiar tone, while slang is more specific to certain groups or subcultures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colloquialism and slang?
While colloquialism can still be used in some formal situations to create a friendly tone, slang is generally considered too informal for formal settings and is more commonly used in casual or social contexts.
