What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mannerism
Example
His mannerism of tapping his foot when he's nervous is quite noticeable. [mannerism: noun]
Example
She speaks with a mannerism that is unique to her. [mannerism: noun]
quirk
Example
One of his quirks is that he always wears mismatched socks. [quirks: noun]
Example
She has a quirk of laughing at inappropriate times. [quirk: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mannerism is more commonly used than quirk in everyday language. Mannerism is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while quirk is less common and often used in informal or creative writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mannerism and quirk?
While mannerism can be used in both formal and informal contexts, quirk is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.
