potoczne

Potoczne is a Polish adjective meaning colloquial or everyday. It is used to describe language, expressions, or behavior that belongs to ordinary, informal communication rather than to formal or literary contexts. In common usage, phrases such as język potoczny or słownictwo potoczne refer to vocabulary and forms typical of daily conversation rather than of official discourse.

In linguistics and language studies, potoczny marks a register that is between formal and informal speech. Język potoczny tends to use simpler syntax, more familiar vocabulary, and a focus on practical understanding and social ease. It often incorporates regionalisms and familiar idioms. While much of potoczny language is easily understood by general audiences, it can be seen as inappropriate in official documents, academic writing, or formal events.

Potoczne differs from slang in scope. Slang is a subset of informal language that is highly community-specific and constantly evolving; potoczne language covers a broader range, including everyday terms and phrases that are widely recognized and not necessarily taboo or revolutionary. Dictionaries and linguistic guides may label words as potoczne to indicate their typical use in everyday speech rather than in formal registers. The term can also accompany phrases such as potoczne znaczenie, referring to meanings used in ordinary contexts rather than technical or literary senses.

In summary, potoczne characterizes ordinary, informal Polish used in daily communication, distinct from formal, literary, or technical language. See also język potoczny, slang, język literacki.