Conversational English: Slang, Colloquialisms,

Clichés, ETC.From the

UWF Writing Lab’s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series

Mini-Lesson #44

Conversational English is “bad English” for academic and professional writing. Conversational English usually consists of the following:

SlangColloquialismsClichés

Conversational English

SlangSlang is a style of language characteristic

of given localities, age groups, time periods, and cultural and social groups.

Slang may be used effectively in informal and formal speech and writing, as long as the slang expression is set off in quotation marks to indicate the usage is intentionally informal.

Examples of SlangHere are some common slang expressions that

may or may not still be in use:

a drag (uninteresting)pigging out (eating)chill out (relax)ratted out (told, divulged)fed up (tired of)

ColloquialismsA colloquialism is an expression that is

chiefly spoken- it is the vernacular; that is, its usage should be reserved for very informal spoken occasions, not for writing.

Colloquialisms are generally the language of everyday speech.

Examples of ColloquialismsAnyways (anyway)A bunch of people (a number of people)We have a deal (We have an agreement)Fixing to leave (preparing to leave)Kid, kids (child, children)Okay, o.k., ok (all right)Pretty good (very good)

ClichéClichés are once colorful expressions that

have become trite, worn-out, and overworked through overuse.

A cliché shows no originality on the part of the writer or speaker. Clichés cause the reader to anticipate the writer’s words: Last but …, for instance, used in a list to introduce the last item, automatically suggests last but not least.

Examples of Clichés Tip of the iceberg Crystal clearBeen there, done thatA method to this madnessAll in allEasier said than doneRipe old ageCool as a cucumberAfter all is said and doneBelieve it or not