Informal, Colloquial, Slang, Vulgar
Informal, Colloquial, Slang, Vulgar
Informal, Colloquial, Slang, Vulgar
This is the broadest, most neutral word. It just means that speech or writing is on
the lower side of the formalmiddleinformal spectrum. In informal situations,
when your conduct is relaxed in all respects and etiquette matters less, you will use
informal language accordingly.
Apart from that, it is neither negative nor positive; that's why it is the best term if
you don't want to sound disapproving (and if colloquial is not an option).
The word is also slightly stronger on average than informal (i.e. more informal).
It suggests a yesno qualification: saying more colloquial is not so common.
It is usually neither positive nor negative, nor felt to be lower class.
However, the euphemism "colloquial at best" is often used to mean that it is bad
style, referring to a colloquialism used in the wrong setting.
Slang:
1.
This means literally "of the people".The Oxford English Dictionary describes its
development through the ages:
I. 3. Commonly or customarily used by the people of a country; ordinary, vernacular. In common
use c 15251650; now arch.
II. 9. Belonging to the ordinary or common class in the community; not distinguished or marked
off from this in any way; plebeian
II. 13. Having a common and offensively mean character; coarsely commonplace; lacking in
refinement or good taste; uncultured, ill-bred.
2.
slang
informal
vulgar (1. of the common people), old-fashioned label
perhaps colloquial
slightly informal
colloquial
some might call this slang or vulgar (1.), but it isn't felt to be connected with
lower class by most people, nor with certain specific groups
That sucks.
slang
vulgar (2. obscene), old-fashioned label, because suck has lost its sexual
connotation for many people
vulgar (1. of the common people)
informal (a bit too general)
colloquial is possible, but not the best choice
informal
colloquial, but many people "would never say was", in neither speech nor writing
slang or vulgar (1. of the common people): probably not