basilect

/bæˈsɪlɛkt/

Definitions

1. noun

a nonstandard dialect of a language, especially one that is considered to be of lower prestige.

“The linguist studied the basilect spoken by the local community.”

2. verb

to use a basilect or a nonstandard dialect of a language.

“She basilects when she’s with her friends from the neighborhood.”

Synonyms

  • dialect
  • vernacular

Antonyms

  • formal language
  • standard language