"Scythe" Diction

​"Scythe" - Diction

By Brian Dalton

Diction

What is it?

Diction is the strategic choice of words based on the audience, context, or situation.

Formal Diction

The use of sophisticated language, without slang.

Example: Scythe Faraday stated, "Respectfully, I must disagree with your reasoning."

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of formal diction?

--The use of sophisticated language, without slang.

• "So cool to meet you, Esme!"

• "Hello, young lady. Very nice to meet you."

Informal Diction

The playful use of words, including jokes and wordplay.

Example: "You are the mean greens, dude," said Tyger.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of informal diction?

--The playful use of words, including jokes and wordplay.

• "Would you care to explain your reasoning for attempting an escape from gleaning?"

• "Why'd you jet away so quickly?"

Pedantic Diction

Uses an excessive amount of academic or “big” words, as if the speaker is trying to prove how smart they are.

Example: "In examination of your stance on gleaning, I have identified some critical misinterpretations that I will now expound upon," Goddard explained to Esme.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is PEDANTIC diction?

--Uses an excessive amount of academic or “big” words, as if the speaker is trying to prove how smart they are.

• It has been quite illuminating to hear your intriguing thoughts.

• I've enjoying listening to you.

Slang Diction

Uses words and phrases that only a particular type of person or specific generation understands.

Example: Rowan, your homie, Tyger, is sus.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is SLANG diction?

--Uses words and phrases that only a particular type of person or specific generation understands.

• Your time to has come to be killed by myself, Scythe Goddard.

• You gonna' to be gleaned asap!

Abstract Diction

Refers to discussing something intangible, like an idea or emotion.

Example: What you said doesn’t feel right. 

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is ABSTRACT diction?

-Refers to discussing something intangible, like an idea or emotion.

• "Warm milk smooths the edges," noted Farday.

• Gleaning is a necessity in the age of immortality.

Concrete Diction

Uses specific and direct language with minimal confusion.

Example: I understand that you believe you are correct.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is CONCRETE diction?

--Uses specific and direct language with minimal confusion.

• "Yo, ya'll see that bloodbath at food place?"

• The gleaning of so many innocent people at the food emporium was horrific.

Poll

The key is to realize the difference between FORMAL diction and INFORMAL. Formal = Precise/Informal = laid back

*Which of the following TWO are FORMAL diction?

• Abstract

• Concrete

• Slang

• Pedantic

Poll

The key is to realize the difference between FORMAL diction and INFORMAL. Formal = Precise/Informal = laid back

*Which of the following TWO are INFORMAL diction?

• Pedestrian

• Concrete

• Slang

• Pedantic