Figures of speech are words or phrases that deliberately deviate from common language use to create a stylistic effect. Their main purpose is to add creativity and depth to our communication and keep others engaged in what we have to say or write. We encounter figures of speech in various contexts, including prose, poetry, and everyday language.
Figures of speech examplesWhat’s in this bag? It weighs a ton. [hyperbole]
Grandpa is as blind as a bat without his glasses. [simile]
To give a more appealing spin on their second-hand clothes, the store calls their items “pre-loved.” [euphemism]
A caesura is a break or pause in a line of poetry, either caused by the natural flow of the language or marked by punctuation.
The purpose of a caesura is to make the poem sound more like natural speech, emphasizing certain words, and helping to create a more interesting and engaging rhythm. Caesura is often indicated using lines, either slashed (//) or upright (||).
Caesura example: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert FrostTwo roads diverged in a wood, and I—//
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to make a point. Pleonasms often occur accidentally and are considered a stylistic fault. However, sometimes they are used deliberately to reinforce an idea.
Pleonasm examplesThanks to our joint cooperation, we managed to overcome each and every obstacle.
The applicants were few in number.
I do think about you.
My grandfather was very proud of the exact replica of a samurai sword he bought.
A kenning is a compound word or phrase that is used to represent a single word, such as “wave traveler” for “boat.” Kennings were commonly used in Old Norse and Old English poetry, but we also use them today. For example, when we call someone a “pencil pusher” or a “tree hugger.”
Kenning examples
Bane of wood: fire
Battle dew: blood
Sea-horse: ship
Wolf of wounds: warrior
Skull-splitter: axe
Guardian of the people: king
Path of the sea: river
Heaven’s joy: morning
Arrow’s storm: attack
Water’s chain: frost
Feeder of ravens: warrior
Hoard-keeper: a dragon or guardian of treasure
Frosty-breath: winter
Kennings enrich the poetic language and reflect the cultural values and natural surroundings of the societies that created them.
A truism is a self-evident statement that is too obvious and hardly worth mentioning.
While truisms can sometimes be seen as lacking originality or depth, they can also be valuable for conveying universal truths in a relatable way. Because of this, we encounter them in different contexts, including literature, public speaking, and casual conversations.
Truism example I found his speech tedious, full of truisms such as “Everything happens for a reason” and “Some things never change.”
A spoonerism is the transposition of the initial sounds of two or more words, like “belly jeans” instead of “jelly beans.” Spoonerisms occur mostly due to slip of the tongue but can also be intentional as a form of humor.
A mondegreen is a word or phrase that results from mishearing another word or phrase, especially in a song lyric or poem. This can lead to amusing or bizarre misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Mondegreens occur mainly due to similar-sounding words.
Mondegreen examples
Song
Correct phrase
Misinterpretation
“Silent Night” (Christmas carol)
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peas.
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind.
The ants are my friends, they’re blowin’ in the wind.
“Chasing Pavements” by Adele
Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing penguins?
An aphorism is a brief statement that expresses a general truth or principle about life. Aphorisms can be humorous and often require interpretation. Due to their clever and memorable nature, aphorisms are commonly found in literature, philosophy, and everyday conversations.
Aphorism examples“Education is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
Invective is insulting, abusive, or highly critical language. It involves using disparaging words to attack a person, a topic, or an institution. While invective is common in everyday communication, it is also a literary device used in speeches, prose, and poetry.
Invective example in Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift“I cannot but conclude the bulk of your natives to be the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth.”
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Jack Caulfield, MA
Revised on
December 10, 2024
Grawlix is a term for the use of an unpronounceable string of punctuation in place of a curse word or other taboo term. It can also be called “obscenicon” (a portmanteau of “obscenity” and “emoticon”) or “symbol swearing.”
Comic strips often use grawlix to show that a character is saying or thinking something “unprintable”—often to express frustration or surprise. It can also be used on social media to hide profanity. An instance of grawlix can appear alone or as part of a sentence.
Grawlix example“I had a $%#! day, and I’m $%@!%&$ tired!”