There is a hung interest in finding the difference between slang and colloquial as people seem to think they both refer to the same thing. If we take a look at the words separately colloquial is an adjective while slang is a noun. It is also used as a verb. Also, colloquial has its origins in the mid 18th century. At the same time, the history of the word slang shows that it also has its origins in the mid 18th century. Colloquially is a derivative of the word colloquial. The most important thing to remember about both of these words is that they are both terms referring to different types of languages.
WHAT IS SLANG?
Slang refers to words, phrases and uses that are regarded as very informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar to a specified profession, class and the like. There are different kinds of slang such as schoolboy slang, college student slang, sports slang and the like. Sometimes the word slang refers to an impure and an abusive language too. Unlike colloquial, slang is not considered as a major topic for research. Furthermore, slang has a funny part of communication attached to it.
WHAT IS COLLOQUIAL?
On the other hand, colloquial refers to the language or linguistic usage made in a particular region or location. It is quite strange that any given language differs in its spoken form and varies from place to place. This is called as the colloquial form of a language.
Colloquial form of a language is understood only in a particular region or location where it is spoken. People from other regions or locations may not understand the colloquial terms used in a particular region. They have to get themselves acclimatized to such usages in the course of time.
One of the major differences between slang and colloquial is that slang becomes universal and spreads very fast to several parts of the globe. On the other hand, colloquial terms do not spread very fast and they are slow to get comprehended by the people of other regions.
Colloquial terms and language becomes a topic of research too in the field of linguistics. Moreover, colloquial is a serious part of communication.
What is the difference between Slang and Colloquial?
Slang refers to words, phrases and uses that are regarded as very informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar to a specified profession, class and the like.
• There are different kinds of slang such as schoolboy slang, college student slang, sports slang and the like.
• Sometimes the word slang refers to an impure and an abusive language too.
On the other hand, colloquial refers to the language or linguistic usage made in a particular region or location.
• Colloquial form of a language is understood only in a particular region or location where it is spoken.
• Colloquial terms and language becomes a topic of research too in the field of linguistics whereas slang is not considered as a major topic for research.
• Slang has a funny part of communication attached to it whereas colloquial is a serious part of communication.
