Key Terms

an expression that has been worn out through constant use. Ex.: short but sweet

artificial or stilted expressions that more often obscure meaning than communicate it clearly. Ex.: It was a splendid opportunity to obtain some slumber could be more simply expressed as It was a good chance to get some sleep.

nonstandard language particular to a time and often to a specific locale; acceptable in everyday speech, slang should be avoided in formal contexts and, with few exceptions, in writing. Ex.: Someone ripped off Ken’s new Adidas.