noun
patois
PAT-wah/ˈpætwɑː/
A form of speech used by a particular region or community.
The booklet includes an example of regional patois from the American South.
Etymology
French patois meant native or local speech. Its origin is uncertain, but it probably relates to a verb meaning “handle clumsily” or “paw,” suggesting a disparaging image of regional speech as clumsy.
In context
We hope one day in the future we will have a fluent patois conversation with you.
More examples
- The island's patois includes words borrowed from several languages.
- I understand my grandfather's patois, but I rarely speak it.
- The neighboring villages have distinct patois.
Forms
patois
Similar words
- dialect
- More neutral; emphasizes a variety's distinctive grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- vernacular
- Emphasizes everyday speech rather than formal or literary language.