Idiome

Idiome is a fixed expression whose figurative meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words. In linguistics, idiomes are treated as lexical units or formulas that are stored and retrieved as a whole rather than constructed on the fly. The term is used in many languages, and in English the related word is idiom; etymologically, it comes from Latin idioma, from Greek idios “one’s own, peculiar.” Idiomes are a central feature of language and culture, reflecting how speakers encode shared knowledge and social cues.

Characteristics of idiomes include fixed form, conventional usage, and a non-literal or only loosely literal interpretation. They often resist paraphrase; their meaning cannot always be inferred from the parts. Some idiomes are highly opaque (e.g., kick the bucket = die), while others are more transparent (e.g., break the ice = relieve social tension). Variants and regional differences can occur, and idiomes may shift over time or with genre and register.

Common examples in English include kick the bucket, spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag, break the ice, and cost an arm and a leg. Idiomes are learned as part of language socialization and can pose difficulties for learners, who must acquire cultural context as well as lexical knowledge. They also pose challenges for translation, since direct equivalents may not exist; translators often seek culturally appropriate equivalents or paraphrase to convey the intended meaning.

Types and distinctions within idiomes include opaque versus transparent forms, and non-decompositional versus semi-lexical phrases. Overall, idiomes enrich language by conveying complex ideas succinctly, while requiring familiarity with the speaker’s culture and language community.