Linda Logan INT 375

Module 1 Project
A. Rapone Instructor
September 15, 2014

MINI DICTIONARY:
Colloquialisms
According to Free Dictionary.com, the definition of colloquialism means a word, phrase
or expression characteristic of ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or
writing. Some of the familiar words that I have chosen for my list are ones that I grew up
using, to ones that came along during the 80s and 90s and some that I and my 26 year old
daughter currently use all the time.
I will start at the beginning, during the early 70s, words like Right-On, and Solid,
(meaning to be in agreement and of consent) were used to describe feelings of pride and
positivity within a young generation that was finding its way thru to the beginning of the ending
of the Vietnam War and into social causes like Civil Rights, Feminism, Veteran Affairs, and
Indian Affairs to name a few. Young people had become more socially conscious and were
beginning to understand their power to be a catalyst for change and our words began to reflect
that and our language, and our music, became our power.
Words like Groovy and Outta Sight were used to describe a feeling of bliss and
wonder. Also, would mean excellent and being of good quality. It would seem that these terms
were interchangeable and could be used to describe a person, an action, or an object. I think most
colloquialisms are designed that way. This ride (car) is outta sight man!!!! Im feelin groovy
baby!

Phrases like Soul Power and Black Power, Indian Power, were popping up all over
the country as young people mobilized and began to question the status quo, of why the
government, the rich businesses and businessmen and celebrity had all of the power in a country
that the young people were dying for. As a result of the commonality of youth, all of these
different groups melded together and became one movement and spoke one language. They
spoke a language that translated into peace, love, empowerment and freedom for all.
The 80s and 90s however ushered in a new era of speaking, HIP HOP had emerged,
and the focus was more on individual expression as opposed to that of a group. Words like
Fresh, Tight and Dope were now used to express approval, meanings of quality and degree
of newness. To hear someone say, Yo, thats Dope! would mean that they approved of your
selection because its the newest, and most fashionable of the time, its the best.
Other words, like Chillin, Crib and Word, came about to shorten the asking or
answering questions. Question: What are you doing? Answer: Chillin at the Crib (a verb,
meaning relaxing at home). Reply: Word? (Meaning to confirm your final position at home).
My favorite words and expressions that I use to today are an intermingling of words from
four decades of living after adolescenceComing of age and growing into a woman during
this last half century has been remarkable, and I often wonder how it would have been to come
up in a much earlier time, like 20s and the 30s during the times of the Great Depression and
World Wars and to live and understand the people, their time, their life and their language.