patois Definition
a dialect other than the standard dialect of a language, especially a regional or uneducated form of speech.
Using patois: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patois" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The locals spoke a patois that was difficult for outsiders to understand.
Example
He writes in a patois that reflects his rural upbringing.
Example
The play is written in a Jamaican patois.
Example
The patois spoken in the southern region of the country is different from that spoken in the north.
patois Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for patois
Phrases with patois
a language that has developed from a mixture of different languages and is spoken in a specific region or by a specific group of people
Example
The Creole patois spoken in Louisiana is a blend of French, Spanish, and African languages.
a form of speech that combines elements of the standard language with non-standard grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation
Example
His broken patois made it difficult for others to understand him.
a dialect spoken in urban areas that is characterized by slang, non-standard grammar, and unique vocabulary
Example
The urban patois spoken in New York City is different from that spoken in Los Angeles.
Origins of patois
from Old French 'patois', meaning 'local or regional dialect'
Summary: patois in Brief
The term 'patois' [pat-wah] refers to a dialect other than the standard dialect of a language, often regional or uneducated. It can be seen in phrases like 'Creole patois,' a language that has developed from a mixture of different languages, and 'urban patois,' a dialect spoken in urban areas characterized by slang, non-standard grammar, and unique vocabulary.
