elegant words; refined diction; poetic expression
Refers to words or expressions that are considered elegant, refined, or poetic, often used in literary or formal contexts.
His writing uses many elegant words.
classical poetic language (esp. Heian period)
Specifically denotes the refined poetic diction of classical Japanese literature, particularly from the Heian period.
Elegant poetic language is indispensable in Heian-period waka.
From 雅 (elegant, refined) + 語 (word, language). The term has been used in Japanese poetics to distinguish elevated diction from everyday speech.