noncolloquial

Noncolloquial is an adjective used to describe language that is not characteristic of everyday or informal spoken speech. It denotes registers that are formal, standard, or written, and it stands in contrast to colloquial language, informal speech, slang, and regionally bound idioms. The term is commonly employed in linguistics, style guides, and translation studies to categorize texts or utterances by formality level.

In practice, noncolloquial language tends to feature standard grammar and vocabulary, complete sentences, and precise syntax. It generally avoids slang, casual contractions, and idiomatic expressions that are likely to be understood only within a particular speech community. Noncolloquial forms are typical of academic writing, official documents, news reporting, textbooks, and formal speeches, where clarity and universality of understanding are prioritized.

Linguistically, noncolloquial language may exhibit a more formal tone, with careful diction and sometimes a greater reliance on impersonal or passive constructions. It remains distinct from highly technical jargon and from literary or rhetorical stylizations that go beyond everyday formal speech. Orthographically, the term can appear as noncolloquial or non-colloquial, with style guides differing on hyphenation and compound formation. In cross-linguistic contexts, the concept similarly refers to language that does not mirror ordinary spoken discourse.

See also: formal language, standard language, colloquialism, slang.