local colour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “local colour” mean?
The details of a place or historical period that create a vivid, authentic atmosphere, especially in writing, film, or art.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The details of a place or historical period that create a vivid, authentic atmosphere, especially in writing, film, or art.
Figuratively, the distinctive, characteristic, and sometimes picturesque details of any specific place, culture, or social group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English predominantly uses the spelling 'colour'. American English uses 'color'. The term is equally recognized in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in literary criticism in British English. In American English, often associated with regionalism in literature.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both, primarily within artistic, academic, and travel writing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “local colour” in a Sentence
The author/narrative adds [local colour] by describing...The novel is full of [local colour].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “local colour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The writer sought to local-colour his narrative with dialect.
- She local-coloured the account with period detail.
American English
- The novelist local-colored the chapter with regional slang.
- He local-colored his description of the festival.
adverb
British English
- The scene was written very local-colourfully.
- He described it local-colour-wise.
American English
- The report was written local-colorfully.
- She depicted the town local-color-wise.
adjective
British English
- The book's local-colour elements were praised.
- A local-colour sketch of Cornwall.
American English
- It was a local-color story about Maine.
- The local-color details were meticulously researched.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used in marketing to describe leveraging local culture for branding.
Academic
Common in literary criticism, history, cultural studies, and anthropology.
Everyday
Used by educated speakers when discussing books, films, or travel experiences.
Technical
A term of art in narratology and literary theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “local colour”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “local colour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “local colour”
- Using 'local color' to mean simply 'the dominant colour of an area'.
- Confusing it with 'local custom' (though customs can be part of local colour).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can extend to specific social groups, historical periods, or subcultures to create an authentic atmosphere.
Yes. It can sometimes imply that the details are superficial, added merely for decorative effect rather than integral to the work.
'Setting' is the general time and place. 'Local colour' refers specifically to the vivid, authenticating details that make that setting feel real and distinctive.
No, it is very rare and non-standard. The noun form is standard.
The details of a place or historical period that create a vivid, authentic atmosphere, especially in writing, film, or art.
Local colour is usually literary, formal, academic in register.
Local colour: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkl ˈkʌlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkl ˈkʌlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable as the term itself is idiomatic.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a painter using COLOUR from their LOCAL palette to paint a scene true to life.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHENTICITY IS PAINTED DETAIL; CULTURE IS A PALETTE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'local colour' LEAST likely to be used?