Colloquial words:
* Regional: Often specific to a particular geographic region or social group.
* Informal but generally understood: While not formal, they are usually understood by a broader audience.
* May be slang: Can sometimes be considered slang, but not always.
* Examples: "Y'all," "wicked" (meaning "very"), "pop" (meaning "soda").
Familiar words:
* Personal: They are words used in a close, friendly context.
* May be informal or slang: Can include slang or informal terms.
* Understood only within a specific group: Meaning is often shared only among friends, family, or a specific community.
* Examples: Nicknames, pet names, inside jokes, abbreviations specific to a group.
Here's a simple way to think about it:
* Colloquial: Informal language used in a wider community.
* Familiar: Informal language used in a very specific, close-knit group.
In essence, colloquial words are informal and regional, while familiar words are informal and personal.
Here's an example:
* Colloquial: "I'm gonna go to the store and get some grub."
* Familiar: "Hey, wanna grab some grub at the new place downtown?"
In the first example, "grub" is used in a colloquial way, referring to food in a general sense. In the second example, "grub" is used in a familiar way, referring to a specific kind of food that the speaker and listener understand.