9 Devices for Writing Dialogue Flashcards
Colloquialism
A colloquialism is a word or phrase that’s specific to a language, geographical region, and/or historical period.
Mostly used in informal speech.
Ex. In the 1950s, a small child might have been called an “ankle-biter.”
Vernacular
Vernacular refers to language that is simple and commonplace.
Understood by every person in that character’s time period.
Ex. Vernacular: I am craving some coleslaw and a soft drink.
Dialect
A dialect is a type of speech reserved for a particular time period, geographical location, social class, group of people, or other specific setting.
Isn’t universally understood or spoken
Ex. Southern Dialect: I’m fixin’ for some slaw and soda pop.
Slang
A slang is a word or phrase that is not part of conventional language usage, but which is still used in everyday speech.
Often associated with a specific age group in a specific region.
Ex. Stan - Stalker fan
Jargon
Jargon is a word or phrase that is specific to a profession or industry.
Jargon slip from the tongue without realizing it’s inaccessible to most.
Ex. Artifacting, Chromatic Abberation, Hallation.
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that is specifically understood by speakers of a certain language, and which has a figurative meaning that differs from its literal one.
The meaning isn’t within the words themselves.
Ex. That is the last straw!
Euphemism
A euphemism is the substitution of one word for another, more innocuous word.
Euphemisms mask what the characters feel uncomfortable expressing.
Ex. He passed away.
Proverb
A proverb is a short, oft-repeated saying that bears a wise and powerful message.
Ex. Heavy is the head who wears the crown.
Neologism
A neologism is a coined word that describes something new.
Ex. Doomscrolling.
