1. Denotation, Connotation, and Euphemisms English II

2. Denotation and Connotation DENOTATION: The definition or literal meaning of a word. CONNOTATION: An association, emotional or otherwise, which the word evokes. Think connotation  connection Connotations could be emotionally positive, negative, or neutral.

3. Example #1 September 11, 2008 September 11, 2001 9/11 911

4. Example #2:Postive,Negative, or Neutral? vagrant people with no fixed address homeless

5. Example #3:Postive,Negative, or Neutral? donkey pack animal ass Remember this one for A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

6. Example #4:Postive,Negative, or Neutral? pro-life anti-abortionist pro-choice pro-abortionist

7. Euphemisms DEFINTION: substitution of disagreeable phrase with a more mild version. Example of a phrase changing when denotative meaning remains the same: shell-shock (WWI, 1910’s) battle fatigue (WWII, 1940’s) operational exhaustion (Korean War, 1950’s) post-traumatic stress disorder (Vietnam 1960’s- present)

8. Watch your euphemisms! Do not use flowery words when it is unnecessary, especially in persuasive writing. Sometimes a parrot is just dead. While watching, think about: What fallacies do you see/hear? Listen for the long list of euphemisms for “death” at the end of the clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Lq771TVm4