What do we call words or phrases used in casual conversation among friends or family?

• A. Colloquialisms
• B. Slang
• C. Formal language
• D. Dialect

Answer: (B)

The term that accurately describes words or phrases used in casual conversation among friends or family is colloquialisms. Colloquialisms refer to informal words or expressions that are common in everyday language and often specific to a particular region or group. They can enhance communication among people who share the same cultural background or social context, making conversations feel more personal and relatable.

While slang refers to very informal language often used by specific groups and can overlap with colloquialisms, it tends to be more trend-based and may not include the broader range of informal phrases that colloquialisms capture. Formal language, on the other hand, is characterized by being more structured and polite, which does not fit the context of casual conversation. Dialect refers to a particular form of a language specific to a region or group, which may contain unique words and pronunciation, but it does not specifically denote casual conversation.

Therefore, colloquialisms are the more appropriate term in this context.