Figurative Language WORDS THAT DON’T MEAN WHAT THEY MEAN
Similes Comparison of two unlike objects using “like” or “as”. Examples: Shae is as brave as lion. Cox glared like a furious dragon The waves lapped the shore like a kitten licking milk
Metaphors Comparison of two unlike things without using like or as Examples The quiz was a walk in the park. His girlfriend could be a real tiger. The cafeteria pizza was a soggy, droopy piece of cardboard.
Personification Giving human qualities to nonhuman objects Examples The wind whispered softly through the trees. My dog looked at me asked what was wrong. After a long, hard day, Emma’s bed beckoned her. The bullet screamed out my name and smacked my shoulder with a thud.
Onomatopoeia A word from a sound that is associated with the word Examples: Cuckoo Whoosh Burp Boom Clash beep
Pun A play on words, either on different senses of the same word or on the similar sense or sound of different words. Examples: Florist Gump : a flower shop Tequila Mockingbird : restaurant A red-headed mattress : Shakespeare’s description of King Henry’s mistress “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” Groucho Marx You were right, so I left.
Alliteration Repetition of initial sounds or letters Examples: Peter Piper picked a peck… A big bully beats a baby boy. Dunkin’ Donuts Fred Flintstone “Helplessly hoping her harlequin hovers nearby” Better butter makes a better batter.
Symbolism Use of symbols to represent an idea or quality Examples A dove is the symbol of peace; a hawk, for war Red rose = love Wedding ring = a lasting union Olympic rings = the five continents 50 stars on flag = fifty states Stars and Stripes = the Republic
Imagery Using language to represent objects or ideas that appeal to our senses Examples It was dark and dim in the forest. The girl’s hand smoothed the soft, silky material. He whiffs the aroma of coffee and salivates. The boys screamed and shouted after the goal. The fresh and juicy oranges were cold and sweet.