Local Color

Meaning Of Idiom ‘Local Color

Local color refers to the unique attractions, points of interest, customs, or unusual individuals that give a certain place its particular character or make it interesting.

Usage Notes

This is an idiom that is mostly found in printed publications.

Sentence Examples

“We’re just going to walk around today and experience the local color.”

“The Found Art Museum, a big part of the town’s local color, was forced to close its doors today.”

“Don’t worry about old Mr. Henson. He’s just a harmless eccentric. Think of him as part of our local color.”

Origin

Used since the latter 1800s.

The word color is used in this idiom to mean picturesque or exciting features that lend a particularly interesting quality to something.