The etymology of the term colloquialism can be traced to the Latin word colloqui, which in turn is derived from the words com meaning 'with' and loqui meaning 'conversation'. The phrase is used to refer to language that is normally used in casual conversation. Authors and playwrights often use colloquial language while writing, and therefore you may often come across instances of colloquialism in novels and plays. From the works of the Bronte sisters to the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, most famous works in literature are found to be dotted with slang terms that are associated with periods that they were written in. Why do they use these terms, what is the effect they seek, and which are the examples that elucidate the concept the best? Our article tells you everything that you need to know.
Why do Authors use Colloquialism?
When you read a novel, a play, a short story, or any other form of literature, you are bound to recognize certain literary techniques that the writer has used. While most authors introduce figures of speech deliberately as a method of enhancing their work, colloquialism is something that generally tends to creep in. Authors tend to use the language that they are most comfortable with (unless their work demands otherwise). Every writer is influenced by the place he belongs to, the way people around him speak, and the phrases that are used by them. It is in such a scenario that colloquialism is often intertwined in the language of the literary work. There are many authors who use colloquialism deliberately to imbue a sense of reality and to render their work a contemporary touch.
Purists may scoff at the idea of using everyday language in literature, but there is a sense of realism that slang and colloquial terms impart. If you trace the history of use of the vernacular and colloquial in literature, you will learn how Shakespeare used slang in his work so that it would strike a chord with not only the courtiers but also with...