Colloquialisms are informal words or phrases that people use in everyday speech but which might not be suitable for formal writing. They’re the casual clothes of language—comfortable and familiar.

Colloquialisms add authenticity to dialogue or help establish a relatable tone in speeches.

You might say ‘gonna’ instead of ‘going to,’ or use phrases like ‘out of whack’ to capture a conversational style that makes characters or speakers seem real and approachable.

You could argue that popular abbreviations like OMG and ROTFL and DIY are a form of colloquialism. You probably wouldn’t use them in an article or a book but you see them every day and understand their meaning.

Colloquialisms can bridge the gap between speaker and audience, fostering a connection that more formal language might not achieve.

Use them wisely to bring warmth and personality to your communications!”