vernacular

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
  2. noun the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
  3. adjective being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language

Etymology

From Latin vernāculus (“domestic, indigenous, of or pertaining to home-born slaves”), from verna (“a native, a home-born slave (one born in his master's house)”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

slang, cant, jargon, lingo, argot, patois

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