English Composition

English Composition Study Guide colloquial phrases mean different things to different people or have different meanings in different contexts. The phrase I nailed it can mean I did well or I used a nail to fasten it to the wall. • Euphemisms: Euphemisms are phrases that use kind language to express an unpleasant or distasteful idea. Saying remains instead of corpse or in a family way instead of pregnant are examples of euphemisms. Double-speak is a form of euphemism. This is used to mask the meaning of a word or phrase. Companies may say they are undergoing a “payroll reduction” or “workforce reduction” to hide the fact that they intend to lay off employees. • Obsolete words: Obsolete words are words that were once common but are no longer used. The word itself may no longer be used, such as anon, forsooth, or hist. In some cases, the meaning of the word may have changed. For example, the word tell used to mean to count, which is why we have tellers working in the bank. • Pretentious diction: Pretentious diction uses long words when a simple word would convey the same thought. A person might say endeavor rather than try or grandiloquent when flowery will do. Another way to use pretentious diction is to use several words when one is better. A food service engineer is still a cook or waiter. • Regional language: Regional language is common to a group or geographical area. In some areas, Coca-Cola is pop and in others, it is soda . A water cooler is called a bubbler in some areas. Writers need to consider that their audience may not understand regional language. This is also called dialect. • Sexist language: Sexist language may be offensive to readers and is easy to avoid. Sexist language includes words that are patronizing to one gender or writing that uses he as a generic pronoun. Referring to men as boys is an example of sexist language. • Slang: Slang includes invented or newly-coined words. Slang can also refer to common words that take on a different meaning. Some examples of current slang are, “I friended you on Facebook” or “I’ll help you compose a Tweet.” Twenty years from now, will readers knowwhat those sentences mean? Today’s readers can be confused by yesterday’s use of bad to mean good . The meaning of slang words and phrases is specific to a particular time or group of people. Good writing strives to be understood by many different types of readers. • Technical terms: Technical terms have specialized meaning to professionals in a particular field. Myocardial infarction may be understood by medical professionals but to laymen it’s a heart attack. Computer experts may understand what cross-platform means, but someone who doesn’t use a computer will not. Technical terminology is also called jargon . Abstract versus concrete diction: Abstract diction expresses concepts that are intangible. Concrete words refer to concepts that can be identified with senses. Concrete terms clarify ideas because they make readers think of things they can taste, touch, smell, hear, or see. However, concrete terms are not always better than abstract terms. Good writers use both to convey their ideas. • Abstract: Sprinted, gourmet, illustrate • Concrete: ran, cook, draw

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