FIGURES OF SPEECH

Figures of Speech

Figure of speech

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition. It can be a metaphor or simile, designed to make a comparison. It can be the repetition of alliteration or the exaggeration of hyperbole to provide a dramatic effect.

Simile > A comparison of 2 things using "like" or "as."

That test was as easy as pie.

Her new shoes fit like a glove!

My dad is as strong as an ox.

The carpet was as dirty as a pig sty.

Life is like a box of chocolates.

Metaphor > A comparison of 2 things that does not use "like" or "as." It states it is that thing.

Love is a battlefield.

Her mind is a room full of computers.

That dog is a carpet shredder!

My alarm clock is a devil that wakes me up.

Personification > The giving of human characteristics to a non-human object.

• The wind danced around the buildings.

• Chocolate chip cookies were calling my name.

• The sun peeked around the clouds.

• Your fireplace told me to sit by it.

Idiom > A figure of speech that cannot e defined literally. The words mean something different than the dictionary.

• That ring cost a pretty penny!

• You have to walk on eggshells around him.

• He is in the doghouse now!

• She is bringing home the bacon.

• Let's put our heads together for ideas.

Alliteration > The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together.

• Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore.

• Fuzzy wassy was a bear. Fuzzy wassy had no hair. Fuzzy wassy wasn't fuzzy, was he?

• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

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Onomatopoeia > A word that imitates or sounds like the sound itself.

• Oink!

• Crash!

• Boom!

• Tick-tock!

Hyperbole> The use of exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• I've told you a million times to clean up your room!

• Forever ago, I was working at McDonald's.

• That fish was bigger than the boat!

• His shoes cost a billion dollars!

Allusion > a reference to something or someone famous in history or literature.

He was as strong as Hercules.

That problem was a Goliath in his path.

Don't be a Bennedict Arnold and switch sides.

Verbal irony > involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.

• John was thrilled to see the tax collector.

• I'm so happy that my car repair costs $900.

• She could not hold her excitement over the epic failure of her idea.

Pun > involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.

• What do you call a sleeping bull? A bull dozer

• How do you fix a broken tomato? With tomato paste!

• What do you call a cow that won't moo? A milk dud.

​Irony

- is used when something said or done is the opposite of the intended meaning. A situation can be described as ironic when there is inconsistency between an actual and an expected result in a sequence of events.

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" That loud noise is music to my ears " (But the speaker is not at all pleased with the noise)

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Water, water, everywhere

Nor any drop to drink​

​- from "Rime of the Ancient Manner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

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Now you try by identifying these:

1.) Joseph junked his jukebox.

2.) The box fell with a loud CRASH!

3.) He ran like a cheetah to the bathroom.

4.) I'm so happy I could cry about that "F" in math.

5.) Mike was a beast on the dance floor.

6.) He beat his head against the wall trying to find his keys.

7.) I'm as happy as a clam.

8.) Where do polar bears vote? The North Pole

9.) Kyle's feet were screaming when he finished the race.