Flashcards: Words that Describe LanguageRhetorical and Literary Terms

archaic

language that is outdated, no longer commonly used

bombastic

language that sounds arrogant, like you’re trying to impress someone

colloquial

language that is ordinary and familiar; everyday language

cultured

educated, polished, refined, sophisticated language

detached

language that is unemotional, distant

esoteric

language that has hidden meanings; private, secret, confidential

euphemistic

language that is used to politely talk about something that is usually really offensive

homespun

language that is plain, unsophisticated; the way an “Average Joe” would speak

idiomatic

using many idioms, which are sort of unusual expressions or sayings in a

particular language (like “It’s raining cats and dogs”)

insipid

language that is dull and uninteresting

jargon

language that comes from a specialized field that people within that field are familiar

with (computers, sports, business)

learned

sophisticated, academic language

moralistic

language that tries to teach morals or right/wrong; writing that preaches a sort of

message about life

obscure

language that has hidden meanings that are difficult to understand

obtuse

language that lacks intelligence or significant meaning; dull writing

pedantic

language that is overly concerned with little details and sounding really academic;

language in which a person trying to show off how s/he is by using “big words”

pretentious

writing that exaggerates how smart a person is; when a person is trying to sound

superior and brilliant

sensuous

writing that appeals to the senses, especially writing that creates a sexual or seductive

mood/tone

trite

language that is worn out, full of cliches; language that doesn’t really say anything

important

vulgar

language that is offensive