Colloquialism: GCSE English Definition
Contents
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.
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Written by Deb Orrock
English Content Creator18 articlesDeb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.
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