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VERNACULAR: DEFINITION AND EXAMPLES

Devon Delfino
Updated on
September 15, 2022Writing Tips

Languages are complicated. There are tons of rules and exceptions to learn,
which can be tough even for a language’s primary speakers. But that’s part of
what makes languages interesting: They’re often pliable, and they’re shaped by
the people who actively use them. Vernacular is essentially a product of that
flexibility. It’s the unique way certain groups of people use language to convey
meaning in phrases that don’t always strictly conform to grammar rules.



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WHAT IS THE VERNACULAR?

The word vernacular means the way people use language in a specific country or
region. For instance, while English is a common language in places like the US,
the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, the way that people use English is
vernacular—it varies from country to country. Vernacular can also be specific to
a culture, such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

Vernacular language is shaped by word choice, grammar, punctuation, literary
devices, and turns of phrase.

The vernacular is also an informal way of speaking, typically used in more
casual settings. For example, you might use vernacular language when talking to
a friend or while running errands in your neighborhood. But it might not make it
into a work presentation (depending on the work culture at your job) or a legal
document.

People who aren’t familiar with a specific form of vernacular language may find
many phrases or ways of speaking unfamiliar or confusing—even if the root
language is their primary language. (For example, although a person might speak
Spanish, they might have difficulty communicating in a small town in Mexico that
has its own dialect.) However, in some cases, an outsider can decipher the
meaning of a vernacular phrase based on the context in which it is used. 

The vernacular has an internal logic that makes sense to those who use it, even
if it isn’t apparent to others.

Note: Vernacular can also be used to talk about things other than language. For
instance, vernacular architecture could refer to the typical style of local
houses.


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS OF VERNACULAR


SYNONYMS

Colloquialism: Informal phrases used in everyday conversation.

It’s a synonym because: Both colloquialism and vernacular include phrases that
are recognized in specific regions and are used in casual conversation.

Dialect: A form of a language used in a specific region or by a particular
social group.

It’s a synonym because: Both dialect and vernacular deal with regional-specific
language use as well as language use by specific social groups.

Slang: Informal words or phrases that are often used by a specific group of
people.

It’s a synonym because: Both slang and vernacular are types of language used by
a select group, and both can break established grammar rules.


ANTONYMS

Formal: Language used in accordance with social rules of etiquette, often in
official contexts.

It’s an antonym because: Vernacular is defined as the informal language, like
slang, that is used in a region or by a culture, while formal language excludes
such language.

Literary: Stylistic language used in works of literature.

It’s an antonym because: Literary language is not typically used in everyday
contexts, while vernacular language is used that way.

Uncommon: Something that is rare. In the context of language, it would include
words or phrases that few, if any, people use regularly.

It’s an antonym because: Vernacular language is common among a group of people
and can be heard in everyday life, while uncommon language is not.


VERNACULAR EXAMPLES IN ENGLISH

Here are some examples from America, the UK, and Australia:


AMERICAN VERNACULAR

 * grinder (New England) for sandwich
 * y’all (American south) for all of you or you all
 * down (West Coast) for ready for or OK with something
 * pop (Midwest) for soda


BRITISH VERNACULAR

 * quid for money or cash
 * chin wag for long chat or discussion
 * Bob’s your uncle for everything is OK
 * jumper for sweater


AUSTRALIAN VERNACULAR

 * avo for avocado
 * dunny for toilet
 * flat out for very busy
 * runners for sneakers or running shoes


VERNACULAR FAQS 


WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF VERNACULAR?

Vernacular is defined as the informal language used by a specific group of
people, such as a particular region or culture.


WHAT ARE SOME SYNONYMS OF VERNACULAR?

Dialect, colloquialism, and slang are all synonyms for vernacular.


WHEN IS THE VERNACULAR USED?

Vernacular language is used in casual settings and is a function of everyday
life for those who use it.


IS THE VERNACULAR THE SAME AS LANGUAGE OR VOCABULARY? 

No. The vernacular uses language, which vocabulary and word choice are a part
of. But vernacular language is limited to the way a specific group uses that
language, while concepts like language or vocabulary are more widely applicable.


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