Patois

Pronunciation: /ˈpætwɑː/

Definitions of patois

noun a regional form of a language, especially one with a nonstandard pronunciation or vocabulary

Example Sentences

A1 My grandmother speaks in a patois that is unique to her village.

A2 The children in the neighborhood often use a playful patois when playing together.

B1 Learning the local patois can help you better integrate into the community.

B2 The author's use of patois in the novel adds authenticity to the characters' dialogue.

C1 The linguist studied the evolution of patois in different regions over several decades.

C2 The government official was able to negotiate with the indigenous tribe using their native patois.

Examples of patois in a Sentence

formal The linguist studied the unique patois spoken in the region.

informal I love listening to the local patois when I visit my grandparents.

slang The patois they speak in that neighborhood is so cool.

figurative His writing style is like a linguistic patois, blending different influences seamlessly.

Grammatical Forms of patois

• past tense: patois-ed
• plural: patois-es
• comparative: more patois
• superlative: most patois
• present tense: patois
• future tense: will patois
• perfect tense: have patois-ed
• continuous tense: is patois-ing
• singular: patois
• positive degree: patois
• infinitive: to patois
• gerund: patois-ing
• participle: patois-ed

Origin and Evolution of patois

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'patois' originated from the Old French term 'patois', which meant 'rough, clumsy speech'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'patois' evolved to refer to regional dialects or non-standard varieties of a language, often with a negative connotation of being inferior or unrefined. In modern usage, 'patois' can also refer to a blend of languages or a mixed language spoken in a particular region.