ENGLISH 7 QUARTER 1 - WEEK 8

COLLOQUIAL AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

In this module, you will be taught how to understand the pre-colonial Philippine
literature as a means of connecting to the past; various reading styles; ways of
determining word meaning; the sounds of English and the prosodic features of speech;
and correct subject-verb agreement.

THE BIG IDEA

It regularly comes to attention that people commonly use the words colloquialism and slang as synonyms, unwittingly
taking them to mean the same thing. The similarity is that both are spoken forms of the language, and both use informal vocabulary.
It is important to keep in mind that they are two distinct forms of language with differences in a variety of aspects related to usage.
So what is colloquial language? It refers to the informal use of language consisting of words, phrases and aphorisms used by
common people. It’s important to keep in mind that colloquial language is more formal than slang as it does not come across as
offensive as the latter. Words change and evolve constantly through writing and conversation, creating a rich and diverse vernacular.
Colloquialisms are words and expressions that become commonplace within a specific language, geographic region, or historical era.
Authors use colloquialisms to give personality and authenticity to their characters.

An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the literal meaning of the phrase. The meaning of an idiom in the mother
tongue and culture has a completely different meaning than the literal definition of the phrase.

DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Words change and evolve constantly through writing and conversation, creating a rich and diverse vernacular. Colloquialisms
are words and expressions that become commonplace within a specific language, geographic region, or historical era. Authors use
colloquialisms to give personality and authenticity to their characters. A colloquialism is a word or expression that makes up the
informal style of language that people use in casual conversation. The word is derived from the Latin “colloquium,” which means
“conversation.” With repeated use, certain words and expressions take on colloquial meanings: for example, the word “wicked”
means “evil”—but it can also mean “excellent.” For example, “the film was wicked.” Strike an informal tone in your speech or
writing by studying English colloquialism examples. You'll see how these words and phrases add personality and a casual feeling to
any kind of communication, as well as how they vary from region to region. Like idioms, these words and colloquial phrases can be
difficult for a non-native speaker to understand. A colloquialism is a familiar expression used mostly in informal speech. A
colloquialism is usually acceptable in everyday conversation but not in formal writing.

Colloquialisms Can Be Idioms

Often, a colloquialism will mean something other than its literal meaning, making it an idiom. For example:
Are you pulling my leg?
(To pull someone's leg is a colloquialism that means To play a joke on someone. As it means something other than its literal meaning,
it is also an idiom.)
I can't wrap my head around the concept.
(To wrap your head around something is a colloquialism that means To understand something. It is also an idiom.)
What Is Colloquial Language?
The term colloquial language, rather unhelpfully, refers to ordinary natural language. Colloquial language may contain some
colloquialisms but not necessarily. The term is used more to describe what the text doesn't contain (e.g., difficult or specialist words)
rather than what it does.
Why Should I Care about Colloquialisms?
Using colloquialisms can be useful if you want to portray a relaxed image (either for yourself in a work scenario or for a character in
your story). Bear in mind though that using colloquialisms in formal correspondence could be viewed as unprofessional or
inappropriate.
Remember that many colloquialisms have nothing to do with their literal meanings, and, given how common some colloquialisms are,
this can be easily forgotten by native speakers.
Colloquialisms with non-literal meanings are often not understood by non-native speakers (who probably won't be helped by a
dictionary).
 Jacque's proposal does not ring a bell. (This means "I do not believe I have seen Jacque's proposal before" but if the term
were unknown, it could easily be construed as meaning "Jacque's proposal doesn't make the grade," which, let's face it, is a
better fit for the literal words.) Therefore, when communicating internationally, raise your alertness for colloquialisms and
avoid them.

COLLOQUIALISM
A word or phase appropriate to conversation and other informal situations.

Expression characteristic of ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing.

Is a saying that expresses something other than the literal meaning of the words it contains.

Refers to the language or linguistic usage made in a particular region or location.

ENGLISH 7 QUARTER 1 - WEEK 8

Any given language differs in its spoken form and varies from place to place.

Is also considered standard language.

Its form is distinct to certain people and lends them their identity.

EXAMPLES:
Gonna Gotta Wannabe Wanna
Ain’t Doncha Gimme Lemme

Colloquialism may be words, phrases, or complete aphorisms.

EXAMPLES:
1. Spill the Beans – Reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly.
Gilbert accidentally spilled the beans to Maria about her surprise birthday party.
2. To Each his Own – One has a right to one’s personal preferences.
A: Who’s your favorite singer?
B: Adele, she has a phenomenal voice. How about you?
A: I’m a huge fan of Justin Bieber, he is a very talented artist!
B: No way! Well, to each his own.
3. The Daily Grind – Someone’s everyday work routine.
Winter break is already over and we’re now back to the daily grind!
4. Bite the Bullet – When you decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.
A: I’m really nervous about asking my boss for a raise.
B: Don’t be. Just bite the bullet and ask your boss. The worst response you could get is no.
5. Break the Ice – To initiate social interchanges and conversation; to get something started.
It’s hard to break the ice at formal events, that’s why ISSS organizes special events for students, scholars, and family members to
mingle in casual settings.
6. Wake up on the Wrong Side of the Bed – To feel grumpy; irritable; to be easily annoyed.
Why are you in such a grumpy mood today? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
7. Take a Rain Check – Something you say when you cannot accept someone’s invitation to do something but you would like to do it
at another time.
I have to take a rain check on happy hour this evening, if that’s alright with you.
8. Take with a Grain of Salt – To consider something to not be completely true or right.
Listen, he likes to exaggerate. You have to take everything he says with a grain of salt
IDIOMS
Every language and culture has its own set of idioms, and the Filipinos have their own as well. Study and look at the
example Filipino idiom and its literal English translation.

FILIPINO IDIOM MEANING

Buto’t balat Malnourished
(Skin and bones is also an American idiom for someone who is very skinny or malnourished.)

Idiomatic expressions are a type of informal language that have a meaning different from the meaning of the words in
the expression. Here's an example of an idiomatic expression:
Hold your tongue.
This idiom doesn't actually mean that you should stick your fingers in your mouth and grab a hold of your tongue. It
means that you shouldn't talk.
People "hold their tongues" when they're in situations where they want to talk, but it would be better if they didn't. So,
while their tongue is ready to do some talking, they "hold" it and don't say anything.
EXAMPLES AND THEIR MEANINGS:
1. She was tickled pink by the good news. ---> made very happy
2. You are hands down the best player on the team. ---> There was no competition.
3. He's been down in the dumps lately. ---> sad or depressed
4. I feel sick as a dog. ---> very sick
5. My grandma has been under the weather. ---> not well
6. Rise and shine! ---> Wake up and be happy!
7. Close, but no cigar. ---> You were very close, but you did not make it.
8. I could play outside till the cows come home. ---> for a very long time
9. Bring your umbrella. It's raining cats and dogs out there! ---> very hard rain
10. That sound is driving me up the wall! ---> making me very annoyed
11. This assignment is a piece of cake. ---> very easy
12. Although he broke a serious rule, he was only given a slap on the wrist. ---> A mild punishment
13. Yikes! This shirt costs an arm and a leg. ---> It is extremely expensive.
 ENGLISH 7 QUARTER 1 - WEEK 8

14. I was just pulling your leg. ---> just joking

15. It's Greek to me. ---> I don't understand.
16. Keep your chin up. ---> Be happy.
17. Hold your horses. ---> Be patient.
18. We're all in the same boat. ---> All of us are in the same position.
19. I will clean my room when pigs fly. ---> never
20. He's a loose cannon.* ---> unpredictable

APPLY YOUR UNDERSTANDING

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions:

Directions: Study carefully each set of idiomatic expressions and fill in the blank with the correct idiom.

IDIOMS MEANING

make a beast of oneself - eat large quantities of food, leaving little for others

a cat’s nap - a short sleep taken during the day

donkey’s years - a very long time

a fish out of water - someone who feels uncomfortable in unfamiliar

surroundings or company

detect something suspicious; sense that something

smell a rat - is wrong

1. My students had planned to play trick on me, but because they were so quiet and attentive I ______________________________.
2. Why don’t you take _______________________________ if you’re tired?
3. I always expect that a voracious eater like him will ______________________________ on such a big occasion like this.
4. I didn’t know anyone at the party and I felt like __________________________ among all my sister’s high school friends.
5. At first, I didn’t recognize Ana when she stopped me in the park because I hadn’t seen her for ____________________________.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

DIRECTIONS: Choose the colloquial ‘pair phrase’ in the box to complete the sentences below.

Safe and sound (Safe from danger and free from injury or harm).

Tooth and nail (Furiously or fiercely; with all of one's strength and effort).

Sick and tired (Exceedingly wearied by, bored of, or exasperated with something).

Ups and downs (Positive and negative events or experiences, considered collectively).

Pros and cons (The positive ("pros") and negative ("cons") aspects of something).

1. Their parents were relieved when they arrived _________________________ from their hiking trip.
2. Of course all marriages have their ______________________, but they are worth the effort.
3. You need to consider the ____________________________ before you make a decision.
4. She’s _____________________________ of her boss. I think she’s looking for a new job.
5. Now, you’ll have to fight _____________________________ to win this game.