AP Flashcards: Words that Describe Language (AP Lang Summer Work) Summer 2009 List #2

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language that is outdated, no longer commonly used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