meaning - Differences among expression and idiom, as well as colloquial and vernacular


Expression and idiom are used interchangeably, and so are colloquial and vernacular; albeit incorrectly. Please advise on differences in meaning and recommend a proper usage.



Answer



An expression is broader than an idiom. An idiom refers to a type of expression, and is usually not predictable by what it states e.g. Kick the bucket means "die".


An expression refers to the way we say something e.g. We say 'get up' to mean to get out of bed. It's not an idiom, but an expression.


Vernacular refers specifically to the native speech of a certain place or class of people. It's usually colloquial as well.


Colloquial refers to any language that is non-standard or informal.


So, vernacular is sometimes informal and colloquial, but colloquial is not necessarily vernacular, because colloquial can refer to slang as well, which is not vernacular.


Use idiom only when referring to an expression that is peculiar or characteristic to a language, an expression that has already been dubbed idiom.


Expression is used to refer to a particular way of phrasing an idea, and can include idioms.


Vernacular is used only specifically to refer to "dialects'.


Colloquial is used to refer to informal and non-standard in general


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