lexical features

English, paper 1

Acronym

A word formed from the initial letters of words in a phrase, pronounced as a separate word.

Archaism

Words no longer in common use.

Colloquialism

Informal, conversational word or phrase.

Dialect

Regional language with unique lexis, grammar, and pronunciation.

Dysphemism

Harsh or taboo term used for dark or humorous effect.

Euphemism

Expressing something unpleasant in milder terms.

Expletives

Taboo words, often religious, sexual, or excretory.

Homophonic representation

Using letters/numbers for words based on sound similarity.

Idiom

Phrases not immediately clear from the words used.

Initialism

Abbreviation using initials, pronounced as individual letters.

Jargon

Words specific to a group or profession.

Lexical/semantic field

Words grouped by meaning on a specific subject.

Modifier

Adjectives/adverbs qualifying a noun.

Monosyllabic words

Words with one syllable.

Neologism

Newly coined word for a new idea or thing.

Non-standard spelling

Spelling not widely accepted in English.

Phonetic spelling

Spelling based on word sound, not conventional spelling.

Polysyllabic words

Words with more than one syllable.

Slang

Very informal words peculiar to a specific group.

Superlative

Adjective/adverb expressing the highest degree of a quality.