Colloquialism: GCSE English Definition

What is a colloquialism?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a colloquialism is an informal word or expression that is more suitable for casual communication, such as in everyday speech.

Why do writers use colloquialisms?

Colloquial words and expressions add realism and authenticity to writing. They can help with characterisation, making characters seem more real and relatable, or they can help establish the particular time or place of a story’s setting. Writers can also use their own colloquialisms to create a sense of community and a strong sense of authorial voice.

Examples of colloquialisms

In the poem ‘Remains’, from the Power and Conflict Anthology in the AQA GCSE English Literature syllabus, the poet Simon Armitage uses colloquial language to convey a very human experience of war, highlighting that the horrific events the soldier experiences can happen to everyday people.

For example:

“One of my mates goes by

and tosses his guts back into his body.”

Similarly, John Agard in ‘Checkin Out Me History’ uses colloquial expressions to highlight the disparity between the history he was taught and the more important historical events that were omitted, highlighting the importance of cultural identity.

For example:

“a slave

with vision

lick back

Napoleon”

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to analyse colloquialisms in literary texts and how to use them in your own English Language writing with our GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.