Figures of speech
Alliteration: it doesn’t depend on letter but on sound. “But a better butter makes a batter better.” In this
case there is an alliteration for the letter B.
Chiasmus: two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order
to produce an artistic effect. “Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You” «la fuga e la vittoria,
la reggia e il tristo esiglio; due volte nella polvere, due volte sull'altar.»
Euphemism: The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions that replace words and phrases
considered harsh (dura/aspra) and impolite, or which suggest something unpleasant Euphemism is an
idiomatic expression which loses its literal meanings and refers to something else, in order to hide its
unpleasantness. “kick the bucket”.
Hyperbole: it’s a greek word that means “over-casting”, it’s an exaggeration of ideas. For example when you
don’t see your friend for a long or short time and you say that you don’t see him or her for a “age” it’s an
exaggeration to add emphasis.
Idiom: we talk about idiom when we use one expression to say something, and this expression is not
interpreted literally, but in a figurative sense. For example “ if we play our cards right ” means if we avail our
opportunities rightly. Every language/culture has his idiom.
Irony: it’s a difference between appearance and reality. Two ways of irony:
-verbal irony, for example when you say “it’s a great idea” to comment a foolish idea;
-situational irony, when a man is chuckling at the misfortune of another even when the same
misfortune is unbeknownst to him befalling him. (Ironia della sorta)
Litotes: is when you use the opposite world to describe a situation. For example: “ i don’t feel very well” to
say that you’re ill.
Metaphor: when you portray a person, place, thing or an action as being something else, even though it is
not actually that something else,” you are speaking metaphorically. The following phrase is an example of
metaphor “My brother is the black sheep of the family” the brother is not sheep and it’s not black…
-Her voice is music for my hears”
Metonymy: Metonymy is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something
which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in
everyday life. In a metonymy the word we use to describe another thing is closely linked to that particular
thing, but is not a part of it. For example, the word “crown” is used to refer to power or authority, and this is a
Metonymy. (Greta Effect)
Onomatopeia: a word which imitates the natural sounds of a thing
Oxymoron: is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joiners to create an effect. “Open secret”
“tragic comedy”
Paradox: contrary to expectation. All animals are equal, but others are mor equal than others.
It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth.
Personification: is a figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal – is given human attributes.
Pun/paranomasia: is a form word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding
words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect.
Satire: is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticise foolishness and corruption of an
individual or a society, by using humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule.
Self-deprecation:
