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<strong>Figures</strong> <strong>of</strong> speech<br />
Colloquialisms <strong>and</strong> jargon<br />
Focus<br />
Colloquialisms <strong>and</strong> jargon<br />
Definitions<br />
• Colloquialisms are correct but informal language.<br />
Example:<br />
The expression ‘on the blink’ is a colloquialism for<br />
something that is not working properly.<br />
• Jargon is words, phrases or clauses used by people<br />
in a particular job or group that can be difficult for<br />
others to underst<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Example:<br />
‘slam dunk’, ‘timeout’ <strong>and</strong> ‘three-point play’ are<br />
jargon used in a basketball game<br />
Explanation<br />
• Investigating figures <strong>of</strong> speech such as<br />
colloquialisms <strong>and</strong> jargon develops <strong>and</strong> enriches<br />
students’ vocabulary <strong>and</strong> fosters an interest in<br />
language.<br />
• Colloquialisms are sometimes also known as<br />
‘slang’. Some colloquialisms are recognised<br />
worldwide, while others are specific to a country. If<br />
colloquialisms are used in formal writing, quotation<br />
marks should be used to indicate the colloquial word<br />
or phrase.<br />
• Jargon is <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as ‘technical language’.<br />
It makes communication quicker <strong>and</strong> easier among<br />
members <strong>of</strong> a group who underst<strong>and</strong> it. However, it<br />
can be difficult for others not familiar with the jargon<br />
to underst<strong>and</strong>, so the needs <strong>of</strong> the wider audience<br />
should be considered.<br />
Worksheet information<br />
• The activities on page 77 could be completed in<br />
pairs or a small group where students general<br />
knowledge could be ‘pooled’ <strong>and</strong> they could<br />
work together to identify the meanings <strong>of</strong> the<br />
colloquialisms <strong>and</strong> jargon. Some students will be<br />
more familiar than others with the use <strong>of</strong> specific<br />
words <strong>and</strong> phrases.<br />
Ideas for further practice<br />
• Students identify colloquialisms used by the teacher,<br />
other students <strong>and</strong> in television programs. Compile a<br />
list to display <strong>and</strong> discuss.<br />
• Brainstorm to list other words <strong>and</strong> phrases used<br />
in sporting jargon by commentators, coaches <strong>and</strong><br />
players.<br />
Answers<br />
1. The paragraph students rewrite should indicate<br />
the following:<br />
I knew today was going to be a day where things<br />
went wrong. It began when I combed my hair <strong>and</strong><br />
realised it would be a day where I wouldn’t be able<br />
to get my hair to look good. Then, at breakfast, I<br />
dropped my toast buttered side down on the floor.<br />
I nearly slipped over when I stepped on it. Later,<br />
Mum yelled for me to hurry up if I wanted a lift to<br />
school. When I got in the car she said I looked very<br />
scruffy.<br />
2. (a) broken their drought: finally won a game<br />
(b) all but their die-hard fans had counted them<br />
out: everyone except their loyal fans thought<br />
they would lose<br />
(c) hardly been able to buy a goal: hardly scored<br />
a goal<br />
(d) neck <strong>and</strong> neck: the scores were close<br />
(e) on fire: playing really well<br />
(f) all over bar the shouting: it was obvious the<br />
Demons were going to win<br />
(g) hadn’t sunk in yet: they couldn’t believe they<br />
had actually won<br />
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<strong>Primary</strong> grammar <strong>and</strong> word study 76<br />
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