Idiolect

Idiolect is an individual's unique use of language, including speech. This unique usage encompasses vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. This differs from a dialect, a common set of linguistic characteristics shared among a group of people.

The term is etymologically related to the Greek prefix idio- (meaning "own, personal, private, peculiar, separate, distinct") and -lect, abstracted from dialect,[1] and ultimately from Ancient Greek λέγω, légō, 'I speak'.

  1. ^ Harper, Douglas. "-lect". Etymology Online. Retrieved 2019-09-02. word-forming element abstracted 20c. from dialect and in words meaning a regional or social variety of a language.