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vernacularism

/vərˈnækjələrɪzəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: vernacularisms

A vernacularism is a word or expression that is common in everyday speech. You've likely used a vernacularism or two today just chatting with friends or scrolling through social media.

The word vernacularism is sometimes used to refer to the general use of the vernacular, the native speech or language of a place. Originally, vernacular was a Latin term meaning "native to a place," but over time, it evolved to mean the common language spoken by ordinary people, as opposed to a formal or "prestige" language like Latin. Today, vernacularism almost always refers to a specific word or localized expression used in everyday, casual speech, such as using the word cool to mean "excellent."

Definitions of vernacularism
  1. noun
    a word or phrase used in everyday speech, especially when characteristic of a particular group
    synonyms: vernacularity
  2. noun
    the quality of belonging to everyday speech or to the language of a particular group
    synonyms: vernacularity
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