semantics n lexis Flashcards
COLLOQUIAL
informal and conversational language that is more suitable for use in speech than in writing
DRAMATIC
exaggerated, theatrical vocabulary, designed to pack an emotional punch and elicit strong feelings
EMOTIVE LANGUAGE
language that is used to evoke an emotional response from the reader
EUPHEMISM
the substitution of an unpleasant, inoffensive expression for one that may be offensive or suggest something unpleasant
DYSPHEMISM
a derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one
HYPERBOLIC
a literary technique where the writer or speaker intentionally uses exaggeration and overstatement for emphasis and effect
SLANG
informal vocabulary that is used between people who belong to the same social group and who know each other well
POLYSYLLABIC
having more than one and usually more than three syllables
ARCHAIC
words that belong to an earlier period and are no longer in common use
SPECIALIST
words used by groups of people who have a common interest and purpose for communicating
TABOO
words that are typically deemed immoral or inappropriate in everyday language
NEOLOGISM
newly developed or coined word that has started to fall into mainstream usage
