By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Speaker-Publishing Coach
SLANG, CLICHES & IDIOMS
In your writing, avoid the use of slang or profanity. This is another situation where live and in-person slang or profanity has its time and place. However, writing is a more formal and public venue, so in general, best behavioral practices are expected.
Some examples of slang you should avoid are: freaked me out, awesome, “like,” cool, wow, and other types of language, unless you quote someone, or this language belongs to a character in fiction.
Slang includes the use of expressions, idioms, and clichés. These might be confusing to your readers, depending on their age group, or culture. Books are often translated into different languages and the slang does not translate anyway. Keep your writing free from slang, unless you are including slang in the dialogue. Using slang with your own voice is not appropriate. Remove such words as:
Freaked me out, freaked out, pigged-out, awesome, cool, hang out, chill, chilled out, babe, dude, dawg, had a blast, dumped, ex, geek, hooked, looker, sick (as in unbelievable), epic, (unless it really is epic), ripped, (as in intoxicated or muscular), dunno (in place of “I don’t’ know), loser, rip off.
Some clichés or idioms might be:
- The best of both worlds
- Once in a blue moon
- When pigs fly
- To cost an arm and a leg
- A piece of cake
- Let the cat out of the bag
- To feel under the weather
- See eye to eye
- To cut corners
- To add insult to injury
- To kill two birds with one stone
- At the end of the day
- To be honest
- Let’s face it
- Until the cows come home
- Avoid like the plague
- Take the bull by the horns
Click below to SUBSCRIBE to PublishingSOLO to receive the entire 10 DIY EDITING TIPS for a Smoothly Written Ride!
.
Have a Dream to Publish a Book—
But Lack the Time or Know-How?
Look no further. This potent and detailed DIY publishing guide grants you the time and know-how. Learn how to self-publish a book by doing it! Once you become a published author, friends, family, and peers see you in a whole new light! This unique system propels both aspiring and seasoned authors through the digital publishing process step by step. You won’t even need your completed manuscript to start!
Includes downloadable template
Free ISBN number & POD account
10 steps to print on demand publishing
Displays book parts in chronological order
Publish your book blueprint proof in a week
Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
Hmmm … I am not quite ready—just send me the Free Self-Publishing Toolkit
You must log in to post a comment.