Author’s Craft and Structure Unit Onomatopoeia Author’s Craft and Structure Unit
Onomatopoeia the use of “words” in writing that represent sounds in real life. comes from Greek words that mean “name” and “I make”. These words have no other meaning than their name, or the sound they make. WHY USE IT: enhances sound imagery. You can imagine being there because you “hear” it. There are 5 general categories of onomatopoeia.
Words Related to water Bloop Splish-splash Drip Drizzle Plop Sprinkle
Words related to air Flutter Woosh Gasp Wisp Swoosh Swish Wizz Whip Whisper
Words related to the voice Giggle Growl Grunt Gurgle Mumble Murmur Bawl Belch Chatter
Words related to collisions Also: clang, clank, clap, click, ding, jingle, screech, thud
Words related to animal noises Also: growl, howl, chirp, croak, etc.
Important note/Miscellaneous We think of onomatopoeia as made-up words or noise sounds. However, there are many actual words that represent onomatopoeia, as well. Any word that is or suggests a sound counts. Clatter Rustle Tap Click Crunch Rattle Some examples of onomatopoeia don’t fit in the 5 categories, like tick-tock. They’re considered miscellaneous examples.