literary terms [AP LIT]: diction (the word choices made by the writer)

Elevated, Formal, or Scholarly

language that creates an elevated tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contradictions. It often contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice.

Colloquial

the language of everyday use. It is relaxed and conversational. The casual or informal but correct language of ordinary speakers; it often includes common and simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.

denotation

the strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color

connotation

the implications of a word or phrase, as opposed to its exact meaning (denotation) over and above what they mean or actually denote. Ex: pleasingly plump has a different connotation than chubby or fat.

tone

the attitude a speaker or writer takes toward a subject, a character, or the reader. Ex: sympathetic, critical, ironic, humorous, tragic, hopeful, bitter, objective, unemotional

dialect

nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features. Writers often use regional dialects or dialects that reveal a person’s economic or social class.

slang

a group of recently coined words, often out of usage within months or years. Ex: groovy, sweet, homies, dudes

sarcasm

sharp, caustic attitude conveyed in words through jibes, taunts, or other remarks

wit

primarily intellectual word choice and expressed in skillful phraseology, plays on words, surprising contrasts, paradoxes, & epigrams

cliché

an over-used, worn-out, hackneyed expression that used to be fresh but is no more. Ex: “Blushing bride” and “clinging vine” are _______ used to describe people.