Hyperbole, Euphemism, Paradox, Oxymoron

Figures of Speech:
Understanding Literary Devices

By Jessica Ribeiro

Figures of Speech

• Figures of speech are words or phrases used in a non-literal way

• They add depth and creativity to language

Today we'll explore four specific types:

• Euphemism

• Hyperbole

• Oxymoron

• Paradox

Euphemism

• A mild or gentle word/phrase used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one

• Used to be polite or less direct

Examples:

• "Passed away" instead of "died"

• "Let go" instead of "fired"

• "Senior citizen" instead of "old person"

Multiple Choice

She's gone to a better place is a euphemism for....

• She's dead

• She's in Mexico

• She has got a promotion

• She's travelling the worl

Multiple Choice

"I'm actually in-between jobs at the moment. I'm sure I'll find one soon"

• Bored

• Unemployed

• Tired

• On the go

Multiple Choice

So, if you seem to be getting a little thin on top, you are not alone!

What does 'thin on top' mean?

• bald

• old

• ugly

• pretty

Multiple Choice

Choose the most appropriate word or phrase to complete the gaps.

I am sorry to inform you that your application...

• did not make it to the final round.

• didn't hack it

• was not successful on this occasion.

Multiple Choice

"We understand," said the customer service representative, "that our new policy might be __________ ."

• Inconvenient

• a pain in the neck

• infuriating

• a bit much

Hyperbole

• An extreme exaggeration not meant to be taken literally

• Used for emphasis or dramatic effect

Examples:

• "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse"

• "This backpack weighs a ton"

• "I've told you a million times"

Multiple Choice

Akierra said she would be back in a second.

• Hyperbole
• Not a Hyperbole

Multiple Choice

Is this a hyperbole?
Harold ate a large sandwich for lunch.

• yes
• no

Multiple Select

Select the option that makes the following sentence a hyperbole. The chicken noodle soup was really hot with pepper.

• The chicken noodle soup was so hot with pepper that my mouth was on fire.

• The chicken noodle soup was so hot with pepper, my eyes watered.

• The chicken noodle soup was so hot with pepper, but tasted really good.

• The chicken noodle soup was so hot with pepper, I could not eat it.

Open Ended

What does the following hyperbole mean? "It was so cold, I saw polar bears wearing jackets."

Oxymoron

• Two contradictory words used together

• Creates an effect of surprise or humor

Examples:

• "Deafening silence"

• "Pretty ugly"

• "Open secret"

• "Living dead"

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT oxymoron?

• mild hot sauce
• comfortable misery 
• a wise fool 
•  a smart decision 

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an oxymoron?

• I feel as though I've been buried alive in paperwork.
• I feel as though I have a bee in my hat.
• I feel as though I'm as hungry as a horse
• I feel as though I've met my match.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an oxymoron?

• It's a happy medium
• It's a sunny morning
• It's a calculated risk
• It's a great choice

Multiple Choice

Which word would create an oxymoron if you added it to the word "clearly?"

• hot

• sweet

• lucky

• misunderstood

Paradox

• A statement that appears contradictory but contains truth

• More complex than an oxymoron

Examples:

• "Less is more"

• "The more you learn, the less you know"

• "To be yourself, you must lose yourself"

Multiple Choice

Identify the paradox.

• The clouds drifted lazily in the sky.
• The person who wrote that book can’t write.
• The clown fish swam comically in the aquarium.
• I was confused by the lesson.

Multiple Choice

Identify the paradox. 

• She is an awfully good singer.
• The blank page stared back at me.
• It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
• They danced in the moonlight. 

Multiple Choice

Identify the paradox. 

• The dress cost a million dollars. 
• I’d rather be lucky than smart.
• It’s twelve minutes until midnight.
• She stood in the empty room. 

Multiple Choice

"Are you crazy."

• It's a paradox
• It's NOT a paradox

Comparing and Contrasting

Euphemism vs. Hyperbole

• Softens truth vs. Exaggerates truth

Oxymoron vs. Paradox

• Word-level contradiction vs. Concept-level contradiction

• All add richness to language in different ways

Identifying Devices

Look for:

• Euphemism: Gentle alternatives

• Hyperbole: Impossible exaggerations

• Oxymoron: Opposing word pairs

• Paradox: Statements that seem impossible but are true

Real World Applications

Where we find these devices:

• Advertising

• Poetry and literature

• Daily conversations

• Song lyrics

• Social media

Remember: These devices make language more interesting and expressive!

Multiple Choice

Placing side by side two contradictory words that make logical sense when explained.

• paradox
• hyperbole
• euphemism

• oxymoron 

Multiple Choice

Placing two contradictory phrases or ideas that, through deeper analysis, make logical sense. 

• onomatopoeia
• oxymoron 
• paradox
• euphemism

Multiple Choice

While at the restaurant, Amy said, "I would like a heavy serving of appetizers." Here statement contains__________________.

• oxymoron 
• hyperbole

• euphemism

• paradox

Multiple Choice

"Oh he's so beautiful--such a beautiful disaster," sings Kelly Clarkson. 

• oxymoron 
• paradox
• simile
• metaphor

Multiple Choice

What does the following paradox most likely mean?
"I close my eyes so that I can see."

• The person is blind and only has vision when closing his or her eyes.
• The person's imagination or internal vision is stronger when blocking out visual distractions. 
• It makes absolutely no sense. 
• The person needs to nap so that he or she can think better, 

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT oxymoron?

• mild hot sauce
• comfortable misery 
• a wise fool 
•  a smart decision 

Multiple Choice

"Oh he's so beautiful--such a beautiful disaster," sings Kelly Clarkson. 

• oxymoron 
• paradox
• simile
• metaphor

Multiple Choice

I've told you to clean your room a million times.

• Euphemism
• Oxymoron

• Hyperbole
• Paradox