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by Jackson Williams on May 13th, 2005

Jackson Williams

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What is the origin of the word colloquial?

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Answers. 4 helpful answers below.

  • by Krezzy on September 5th, 2006

    Krezzy

    A colloquialism is an expression not used in formal speech or writing. Colloquialisms can include words (such as "gonna" or "grouty"), phrases (such as "ain't nothin'" and "dead as a doornail"), or sometimes even an entire aphorism ("There's more than one way to skin a cat"). Dictionaries often display colloquial words and phrases with the abbreviation colloq. Colloquialisms are often used primarily within a limited geographical area.

    In some areas, overuse of colloquialisms by native speakers is regarded as a sign of substandard ability with the language. However, in the mouth of a non-native speaker, they are sometimes taken as signaling unusual facility with the language as they may be more difficult for non-native speakers to understand.

    A colloquialism can sometimes make its way into otherwise formal speech, as a sign that the speaker is comfortable with his or her audience, in contrast to slang, which, if used in formal speech, is more likely done so consciously for humorous effect.

    Words that have a formal meaning may also have a colloquial meaning that, while technically incorrect, is recognizeable due to common usage.

    Hope I Helped!

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  • by notmrjohn on May 13th, 2005

    notmrjohn

    colloquial (1751), from colloquy "a conversation" (1459), from L. colloquium "conference, conversation," from com- "together" + loqui "speak." Colloquialism first attested 1810. Colloquium itself was borrowed from L. 1609.
    defined as - - characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
    or the way folks talk when they're just talkin'



    Com together,bum bum,right now,bum bum, loqui.

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  • by buttman on July 3rd, 2011

    buttman

    The origin of the word colloquial is the latin "Colloquium" or "colloqui" which means "to converse"; and its first known use was in the 15th century.

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  • by Max_Z5300 on July 3rd, 2011

    Max_Z5300

    Latin:Colloquium, a conversation.

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