Intimate Register

When we communicate with others, we often change how we talk depending on the situation, or the people we are talking to. For example, you would probably talk to your friends differently than if you were to talk to a teacher. We can change the way we speak by changing our register. So, what is a register?

There are six different types of register. These are:

1. Frozen

2. Formal

3. Consultative

4. Neutral

5. Informal/Casual

6. Intimate

Today, we will focus on the intimate register.

Let's start by looking at the meaning of intimate:

Intimate Register Definition

As an adjective, the word 'intimate' can mean the following things:

1. close and familiar.

2. personal and private.

Intimate links to the meaning of 'intimate register.' Let's take a look at what this means:

The intimate register is the most informal type of register, so it should not be used in professional or public situations (such as in school or at work). For example, you would not use an intimate register with a teacher or a stranger.

When people use the intimate register, they do not tend to use formal language. This means that they do not need to use correct grammar, long sentences, or complex words. Sometimes, intimate language consists of unfinished sentences or made-up words!

The most important thing about the intimate register is that the language can be understood by the people you are close with. It does not need to make sense to anyone else who is not a part of the conversation.

Intimate Language Register

The intimate register can be used between different groups of people. These types of intimacy are as follows:

• Between family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.).

• Between friends.

• Between partners/couples.

Best friends may use the intimate register when talking to one another.

Intimate synonym

Intimate can mean a few different things. But, when we talk about an intimate register, we are referring to casual language that is used between people who are very close. So, what other words have similar meanings to the word 'intimate'?

Below are some synonyms. Keep these words in mind if you use an intimate register. They will help you to understand what type of language to use:

• close

• personal

• familiar

• friendly

• relaxed

• casual

• private

Intimate Register Examples

Intimate language can be used in different situations, for a variety of reasons. This includes:

• private conversations

• inside jokes

• telling secrets

• greetings

• terms of endearment/pet names

• flirting

• non-verbal language

Let's take a look at each of these in more detail!

Private conversations

Intimate language can be used if you want to have a private conversation with someone. The language used in a private conversation is usually friendly and casual because you are familiar with each other. You will be able to talk about things that are personal to you.

Inside jokes

An inside joke is a type of joke that is only understood by a certain group of people. This means that it will only make sense to the people who understand the humour and the context of the joke. Inside jokes can often be sarcastic or self-deprecating (making fun of yourself in a non-serious way).

Have you and a friend ever done or said something that only you find funny?

Telling secrets

Telling secrets is an example of an intimate register because it is a private situation between two or more people who trust each other. If someone tells you a secret, they put their faith in you and have confidence in you to keep it. If you are able to keep someone's secret, it is a good way to show that you both trust each other and can stick to a promise.

Greetings

When you greet someone you know well, you don't have to be too formal or overly polite. You don't have to use correct grammar or complicated words. Instead, you can be casual and friendly. Some intimate greetings can simply be a single word! Examples of intimate greetings are:

• Hey guys!

• Yo!

• What's up? / Wassup?

• How's you?

• You alright?

Terms of endearment/pet name

Terms of endearment are names used to refer to people you are close with. These are also referred to as pet names. They are used to show affection between people. Some examples of terms of endearment are:

• Baby

• Honey

• Sweetheart/sweetie

• Darling

• Dear

• Love

These are some friendly, loving examples. But, some people may not always want to use these. They may use funny or rude pet names instead! This shows that they are comfortable around one another, and do not find them offensive because they should not be taken seriously.

Flirting

Flirting is language that is used between people who are in a relationship, or people who want to get into a relationship. It is often used to compliment or tease someone in a playful way. Some flirting can be quite cheesy, such as pick-up lines. Have you heard of any of the following pick-up lines?

Non-verbal language

The intimate register can also include non-verbal language. This is any language that is not spoken. For example, facial expressions, body language, and gestures. Sometimes, people who are very close can understand what each other is feeling without having to speak! For example, they could look at each other in a certain way or gesture to one another.

An example of non-verbal language is a thumbs up.

Intimate In A Sentence

Some examples of sentences that include the word 'intimate' are as follows: