Video Notes: Key Vocabulary for Diction, Genre, and Rhetorical Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key diction, genre, and rhetorical terms from the lecture notes (Pages 1–3).

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style; reflects the writer's level of formality or informality.

Colloquial

Informal, conversational language; a common word/phrase within a language, region, or era. Ex: Americans eat cookies while UK eat biscuits.

Slang

Informal words and phrases created within a small group or subculture. Ex: Gretchen, in the movie Mean Girls, tries to make “fetch” a thing.

Jargon

Technical terms used by people within a specific profession or trade, often unclear to outsiders. Ex: Terms in a job like “On a Rail” or “On the Fly”.

Denotation

The literal dictionary definition of a word, devoid of emotion or attitude; can have multiple meanings and change over time. Ex: awful used to mean “deeply respectful” but now means “extremely disagreeable”.

Connotation

The associations and emotions suggested by a word; the implied meaning that can be positive, negative, or neutral. Ex: complicated v.s. puzzling, curious v.s. nosy.

Genre

The major category of a written work (prose, poetry, drama); sub genres include fiction vs nonfiction and various nonfiction forms. Ex: biography, memoir, diaries, criticism, essays

Satire

A work that uses irony, exaggeration, understatement, and contrast to critique life or society, usually with humor.

Parody

A work that closely imitates another's style or content for comic effect or ridicule Ex: SNL skits

Exposé

An article or book that reveals scandal or crimes, disclosing new details that discredit the subject. Ex: Silicon Valley Startup exposed the lies and deception that lead to the end of Theranos.

Exposition/Expository

Writing primarily intended to convey information or explain; aims to present facts without bias. Ex: Newspaper stories

Diatribe

A bitter or violent criticism or attack in speech or writing; a denunciation.

Didactic

Works whose primary aim is to instruct, often about moral or ethical principles; can seem preachy if overdone. While attempting to build trust with an audience, a speaker might avoid an overly didactic - for example using “we” rather than “you”

Exigence

The event or problem that prompts a writer or speaker to address an issue; the sense of urgency behind the message. Ex: When there’s a huge food fight in the cafeteria, so the principal gives a speech about behavior at lunch.

Concession

Acknowledging part or all of an opposing position to build credibility and demonstrate openness to other perspectives. Ex: A child acknowledging that people drink at parties, but she will not do that.

Qualifiers/To Qualify an Argument

Words or phrases that limit claims to avoid absolute statements (e.g., many, often, some, possibly, perhaps).

Absolutes/Absolute Statement

Words free from limitations (e.g., always, never, everyone, must). Ex: All young people want to get married one day.

Conditional Statement

An if-then statement that presents a premise and its consequence, often used in arguments.

Ex: If I eat too much Taco Bell, then I will throw up.