In its most basic sense, Colloquial English is conversational English--the type of language you use among friends and family. Depending on their purpose and audience, journalists sometimes use Colloquial English in their writing

Examples of Colloquial English include using:

• "pricey" instead of "expensive"
• "get away with"
• "sure" instead of "certainly"

Do not use Colloquial English in academic or professional writing situations.