What are nonstandard forms of written words called?

Question

Normal characters are (汉)字 and nonstandard characters are 俗子.

Wrongly written words or nonstandard forms of written words can be referred to by using 俗作.

For instance, the entry for 耳食 in《南充方言词语考释》says:

“耳食”俗作“耳屎”、“耳视”等。

What are these types of words called?

异形词 is an, obvious, option. I would like to be more specific noting that it is a 俗 problem.

俗词 would just talk about current terms or expressions, vulgarities or familiar language.

What is the proper term for nonstandard forms of written words?

user3306356 · Accepted Answer · 2018-02-19 02:56:23Z

异形词 is the broad term.

A more specific, albeit obscure and probably not widely accepted term would be: 俗体词.

Usage of 俗体词 can be found on this Zhihu question: 英译中里俗体词和异音词如何处理？

俗体词（比如错音错意、用词不当等）

Although it is talking about English, it should be clear enough to be understood in Chinese as well.

水巷孑蠻 · Accepted Answer · 2018-02-13 17:17:05Z

-2

aren't they called 異體字 (variant character)?

if this one doesn't suit your need, maybe:

"後起字", "分化字", "古今字", or "訛變"

answered Feb 13 '18 at 17:17

水巷孑蠻

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Not characters but words. Perhaps words are just 异形词 and nothing more. Maybe 俗形词 could work? – user3306356♦ Feb 13 '18 at 17:17
might we invent 異體詞 to describe variant words :) – 水巷孑蠻 Feb 13 '18 at 17:19
The term 异形词 is already accepted though! (and I believe I've asked that before on Chinese SE). chinese.stackexchange.com/a/23184/4136 俗体词 on the other hand does look like another valid option. – user3306356♦ Feb 13 '18 at 17:20

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