informalism

plural informalisms

1. countableuncountableA word, phrase, behaviour, etc. that is informal.

   At other times, in complete contrast, as noted elsewhere (Section 7.3), there is frequent recourse to slang and informalisms. Speech style in this sense is closely connected to footing.

   2003, Alan Partington, The Linguistics of Political Argument, page 213

   1 more example

   The reason we don't, he said, is because our educational system has swung too far in the direction of formal methods and has neglected such informalisms as common sense and natural language communication.

   2006, Robert L. Glass, Tom DeMarco, Software Creativity 2.0, page 236

2. countableuncountableAn art movement based on abstract and gestural tendencies rather than definite form.