What is the Difference Between Idiom and Slang?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between idiom and slang lies in their meanings, usage, and the groups of people who understand them. Here are the key differences:
- Meaning: Idioms are phrases with a different meaning than their literal meaning, often conveying a figurative sense. Slang, on the other hand, consists of informal words and expressions that aren't part of standard vocabulary or language.
- Usage: Idioms are commonly used in both spoken and written language, and they are understood by almost everyone. Slang is more specific to certain social groups or subcultures and is often used in speech rather than writing.
- Understanding: Idioms are expected to be understood by the majority of the speaker population, while slang is limited to certain groups and may not be universally understood.
For example, "raining cats and dogs" is an idiom that means it's raining heavily, while "I'm shattered" is a slang expression meaning "I am tired to the point of exhaustion". Idioms can be found in dictionaries, whereas slang terms are not typically included in standard dictionaries.
Comparative Table: Idiom vs Slang
Here is a table comparing idioms and slang:
| Feature | Idiom | Slang |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Idioms are expressions with a meaning different from the individual words in the expression. Slang consists of words and phrases regarded as very informal, common in speech, and typically restricted to a particular context or group of people. | |
| Formality | Idioms can be found in formal writing and literature. Slang is informal and not suitable for formal contexts. | |
| Geographical | Slang is often region-specific and may vary by culture. Idioms, on the other hand, can be universally understood and may be used in different regions and cultures. | |
| Frequency | Idioms can be used frequently in everyday language, but not limited to specific groups or regions. Slang is often used in casual conversations among specific groups of people and may be less universally understood. | |
| Dictionaries | Idioms can be found in dictionaries, as they are considered a part of the language. Slang terms are often not present in dictionaries, as they are informal and may be region-specific. |
In summary, idioms are expressions with a specific meaning that can be universally understood, while slang is informal and typically associated with specific groups of people. Idioms can be found in dictionaries and are suitable for formal writing, whereas slang is not and should be used casually.
- Idioms vs Colloquialisms
- Jargon vs Slang
- Idioms vs Phrases
- Slang vs Colloquial
- Slang vs Dialect
- Idioms vs Proverbs
- Hyperbole vs Idiom
- Phrasal Verbs vs Idioms
- Slang vs Accent
- Vernacular vs Colloquial
- Language vs Dialect
- Saying vs Proverb
- Formal vs Informal
- Tagline vs Slogan
- Adage vs Proverb
- Syntax vs Diction
- Language vs Dialect in Sociolinguistics
- Say vs Tell
- Metaphor vs Simile