Diction

In all forms of literature, nonfiction, fiction,

poetry, and dramaauthors choose particular
words to convey effect and meaning to the
reader. Writers employ diction, or word choice
to communicate ideas and impressions, to evoke
emotions, and to convey their views of truth to
the reader.

Levels of Diction
High or formal diction
Neutral diction
Informal or low diction

High or Formal Diction

Discerning the impracticable state of the poor culprits
mind, the elder clergyman, who had carefully prepared
himself for the occasion, addressed to the multitude a
discourse on sin, in all its branches, but with continual
reference to the ignominious letter. So forcibly did he
dwell upon this symbol, for the hour or more during which
his periods were rolling over the peoples heads, that it
assumed new terrors in their imagination, and seemed to
derive its scarlet hue from the flames of the infernal pit.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1850.

 Usually contains language that creates an elevated

tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and
contractions. It often contains polysyllabic words,
sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice.

Neutral Diction
The shark swung over and the old man saw his eye was not
alive and then he swung over once again, wrapping himself
in two loops of the rope. The old man knew that he was
dead but the shark would not accept it. Then, on his back,
with his tail lashing and his jaws clicking, the shark plowed
over the water as a speedboat does. The water was white
where his tail beat it and three-quarters of his body was clear
above the water when the rope came taut, shivered, and then
snapped. The shark lay quietly for a little while on the
surface and the old man watched him. Then he went down
very slowly.
From Old Man and the Sea, by Hemingway, Ernest, Scribners, 1995. Copyright Gale Group.

 Uses standard language and vocabulary without

elaborate words and may include contractions.

Informal or Low Diction

Three quarts of milk. Thats what was in that icebox
yesterday. Three whole quarts. Now they aint none. Not
a drop. I dont mind folks comin in and getting what
they want, but three quarts of milk! What the devil does
anybody need with three quarts of milk?
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Copyright 1970 by Toni Morrison.

 The language of everyday use. It is relaxed and

conversational. It often includes common and
simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and
contractions.

Types of Diction

Slang
Colloquial expressions
Jargon
Dialect
Idioms
Concrete Diction
Abstract Diction
Denotation
Connotation

Slang

Phat
Posse
Bling-bling
Hot

 Group recently coined words often used in informal

situations. Slang words often come and go quickly,
passing in and out of usage within months or years.

Colloquial expressions

Ayah
Yall
Fixin to
Yonder
directly

 Nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language

appropriate to informal or conversational speech and
writing. Maine residents/southern words

Jargon

Cuddy
Taffrail
Mizzen
Binnacle

 Words and expressions characteristic of a particular

trade, profession, or pursuit. Nautical jargon

Dialect
Sho, theres ticks a-plenty. I could have a
thousand of em if I wanted to.
Well, why dont you? Becuz you know
might well you cant. This is a pretty early
tick, I reckon. Its the first one Ive seen
this year.

Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, New York: Grosset and Dunlap,
1946.

 Nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own

vocabulary and grammatical features. Writers often
use regional dialects or dialects that reveal a
persons economic or social class.

Idioms

Tighter than bark on a tree---stingy

Big hat, no cattle---lots of talk, no action
Throw in the towel---quit
Piece of cake--easy

 Expressions, usually peculiar to a group or region

of people, that cant be understood from the
meanings of the individual words.

Concrete Diction
The tears came fast, and she held her face in her hands.
When something soft and furry moved around her ankles,
she jumped, and saw it was the cat. He wound himself in
and about her legs. Momentarily distracted from her fear,
she squatted down to touch him, her hands wet from the
tears. The cat rubbed up against her knee. He was black
all over, deep silky black, and his eyes, pointing down
toward his nose, were bluish green. The light made them
shine like blue ice. Pecola rubbed the cats head; he
whined, his tongue flicking with pleasure. The blue eyes
in the black face held her.

 Specific words that describe physical qualities or

conditions. This passage uses concrete diction to
describe an experience Pecola has at Juniors house

Abstract Diction

Impenetrable
Incredible
Inscrutable
Inconceivable
unfathomable

 Refers to language that denotes ideas, emotions,

conditions, or concepts that are intangible.

Denotation
House/Home
Grass/lawn

 Exact, literal definition of a word independent of

any emotional association or secondary meaning.

Connotation
Home connotes safety, coziness, security
House implies the dictionary definition of
the physical structure

 Implicit rather than explicit meaning of a word.

Consists of suggestions, associations, and emotional
overtones attached to a word.

Misinterpreting denotation and

connotation in a literary work
translates into misinterpreting
tone and theme.

Levels of Connotation
Childlike

Childish

Immature

Low income

Poor

destitute

Plump

Fat

obese

Filled

Packed

jammed

Fragrance

Odor

stench

Home

House

shack

Plain

Homely

ugly

Effects of slang

Lack of education
Camaraderie
Familiarity between friends
Familiarity where there is none
disrespect

Dialect
Can create personality in a character

Jargon
Familiarity with the audience, letting them
know that you speak their language, that
you belong to their group
Resentment
Confusion
Can sound pretentious
Can sound like showing off
Can be offensive

Jargon
Can create trust if a particular person knows
the terminology of a profession
Can make the person seem knowledgeable
to the audience