coloquial

Coloquial is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe language or expressions used in everyday, informal speech rather than in formal writing or oratory. The term encompasses a broad range of language features that arise in ordinary conversation.

In linguistics, coloquial speech refers to a register characterized by relaxed syntax, contractions, idioms, and regional vocabulary. It often includes phonetic reductions, elisions, and pronoun usage that reflects social relations and local norms. Colloquial forms are common in dialogue, informal writing, and media that aims to reproduce everyday speech.

Coloquial should be distinguished from slang, which denotes highly informal or novelty terms associated with particular groups. Colloquial language includes slang but also standard words used outside formal contexts. The boundaries are fluid and vary by country, region, and social group.

Etymology: the word derives from Latin colloquialis, via Old French or directly into Romance languages, from colloquium, meaning "conversation" or "talk." In English, the related term colloquial shares the same root. In linguistic description, coloquial style contrasts with formal style and is often referenced in studies of dialects and vernacular speech. See also: Colloquialism, Dialect, Register.