vernacular

/vərˈnækjələr/
noun
  1. The everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or group, as opposed to formal or literary language.
    • In many countries, children learn in the vernacular at school before studying a second language.
    • The author wrote the dialogue in the local vernacular to make the characters feel authentic.
    • The poem was translated from Latin into the English vernacular so everyone could understand it.
  2. The specialized language or jargon used by a particular profession, trade, or group.
    • Programmers often use a vernacular full of acronyms like API and SQL.
    • To understand the contract, you need to be familiar with legal vernacular.
    • The doctor explained the diagnosis in simple terms, avoiding medical vernacular.
adjective
  1. Relating to or using the everyday language of ordinary people, rather than formal or literary language.
    • Vernacular architecture refers to buildings designed using local materials and traditional methods.
    • She prefers vernacular expressions over fancy words when talking to friends.
    • The play uses vernacular speech to reflect the characters' working-class backgrounds.
  2. Relating to the common, native style of a region, especially in art, architecture, or design.
    • The village is known for its vernacular houses with thatched roofs.
    • The museum exhibits vernacular furniture from the 19th century.
    • Vernacular music often tells stories about daily life and local history.