Colonial Speech in the BSG Universe varies from what most are used to. There are of course important military and technological terms that might be foreign to most. Many everyday words are also substituted with others unique made-up BSG words. Finally, although not shown prominently in the Re-imagined Series, there are also several different languages in the Twelve Colonies.
Foreign Language[]
The Colonies are a collection of billions of people living across a dozen worlds and have lived in this manner for over two thousand years. They are not a homogeneous people and thus their language differs. Whether it be merely a characteristic accent or event a completely different language native to that Colony, not everyone sounds the same and often it is quite noticeable where someone is from simply by hearing them talk.
More information on languages can be found here
Specialized Terms[]
From DRADIS to CBDR there is a slew of words, acronyms, and abbreviations that one might need to know to properly RP in the BSG Universe. A full list of these terms can be found here.
Notable Changed Words[]
Several words are given entirely new names to connote something that actually does exist in modern times. Notably most drugs have special names (e.g. Morphine = Morpha). Below are a few other examples
Wireless[]
There is no such things as "radio" in BSG. Instead, people communicate via "wireless". A ship is equipped with a wireless, you listen to "talk wireless" not "talk radio", etc. It can be referred to as "comms" or other synonymous words but NEVER "radio".
Fumarella[]
There is no such thing as "tobacco" in BSG. It is "fumarella" leaf, fumarella products, etc.
Frak[]
The "F word" is completely replaced by the word "frak" in BSG. It is still as versatile as the word it replaces. Frak you, fraking jerk, that was a clusterfrak, motherfraker, etc.
Krypter[]
There is no "mayday" distress call. Colonials instead use "Krypter". Like "mayday", "krypter" is announced in a burst of three to signal distress.
Religious Terms[]
BSG Religion is polytheistic and thus their terms are of a polytheistic nature. "Hell" becomes "Hades", "God" becomes "gods", and "Lord" becomes "Lords". There are monotheists in the minority but they do not share the same Judeo-Christian heritage as we go. Thus, although they might say "God" and "Lord" in the singular, they would never say anything like "Jesus Christ!"
Titles[]
Another bit of language worth noting is the use of "sir" and "ma'am". The Colonial Fleet is gender neutral in all things. All military personnel in BSG regardless of gender are referred to as "sir". Gender specific titles only come into play for civilian officials. (e.g. Admiral Cain is sir. President Roslin is ma'am.) Therefore, if you play a female character, it is not offensive to be called "sir" (nor does the subordinate need to have the dilemma of whether it might be disrespectful to call her one or the other).