tone/style vocab

Question 1

slang

Answer 1

informal, casual language (ex: “she was the bee’s knees, playa!”)

Question 2

jargon

Answer 2

words or expressions associated with a particular career, industry, or subculture (ex: Army Jargon- “always watch your 6, and stay frosty!”)

Question 3

colloquial

Answer 3

down to earth, folksy, common language (ex: George bush)

Question 4

moralistic

Answer 4

high minded, serious in intent, sometimes sanctimonious language

Question 5

picturesque

Answer 5

rich imagery - really paints a scene

Question 6

provincial

Answer 6

narrow minded or limited in perspective, not worldly

Question 7

idiomatic

Answer 7

peculiar to a particular group, individual, or style (Brits say “loo” where we say “restroom”)

Question 8

homespun

Answer 8

same as colloquial but perhaps more put on affected (i.e. political “folksiness”)

Question 9

trite

Answer 9

simplifies, naive, or lowest common denominator in approach (ex: someone would argue “America love it or leave it!” both disregarding crucial complextivities)

Question 10

connotative

Answer 10

language rich in subtext or secondary meaning, perhaps for a subtly negative positive undertone (ex: “freedom fighter” vs. “terrorist”)