6.2: Figurative Language

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This chapter is brought to you by Sybil Priebe.

The English Language is Weird.

This chapter exists for those students and teachers who wish to dig a little deeper into the English language because it’s a weird language (if I’m allowed to say that). In our weird language, we have words and phrases that don’t always follow their normal meaning… yeah, imagine that! So, not only do we have slang words and phrases evolving at a crazy rate – while also getting created by people weekly – this category is full of words and phrases that can change the meaning of a sentence without trying very hard.

There are few ways to use figurative language, including metaphors, similes, personification and hyperbole. Use this chapter for more information and certain examples of specific types of figurative language.

There is a lot to the category of figurative language; we might not cover ALL of the them, but here’s a start:

DOUBLE ENTENDRES

When a sentence means something literally while also meaning something perverted at the same time.

Malik grabbed his ball before hitting it over the net.

EUPHEMISMS

When a person wants to discuss a taboo topic but uses nicer language to talk about it.

Malik urgently went to the bathroom; he had a call on line two.

OXYMORONS

A phrase with contradicting terms side by side.

Small elephant / jumbo shrimp

CLICHÉS

These are overused phrases. Sometimes, they are okay to use; sometimes, they annoy your readers.

Malik is crazy; he’s like a chicken with its head chopped off.

HYPERBOLE

These are incredible exaggerations.

Ria’s hair was so tall it reached the sky

PERSONIFICATION

This occurs when we give humanistic characteristics to non-humans.

Ria’s brain was acting like a jerk.

METAPHORS & SIMILES

These are used in comparisons.

Malik is as crazy as Ria is. Ria’s personality is like an antenna for craziness.

PUNS

The best explanation of this term might be to just say: “Corny jokes that older people tell.”

Malik shook the lettuce in my face and said, “Romaine calm!”

ALLITERATION

When the same consonants keep popping up in a sentence or poem.

Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

ONOMATOPOEIA

This term is used when a word sounds like the sound it makes.

“Pop” went the champagne; it was time to celebrate!

IDIOM

These are common phrases, that unlike clichés, are sometimes considered words of wisdom. Some claim they are big ideas condensed down into tiny bits.

a little bird told me / a drop in the bucket / a bitter pill / a man of few words

Assignments or Questions to Consider

(Insert ideas from student or teacher.)