Terms Flashcards
(42 cards)
Jargon
Specialized language; Nonsense.
Archaic
An old, out of date language.
Metaphor
Implied comparison, figure of speech without using like or as.
Allusion
A reference to scripture, literature or well-known event.
Spoonerism
A spoonerism is a linguistic error where the initial sounds of two words are swapped, such as saying “tons of soil” instead of “sons of toil.”
Concrete
Tangible, able to be sensed.
Sarcasm
Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony intended to mock or convey contempt, often through saying the opposite of what is meant, such as saying “Oh, great job!” when someone makes a mistake.
Denotative
Literal dictionary meaning.
Colloquial
Colloquial language refers to informal, everyday language used in casual conversation, like saying “gonna” instead of “going to” or “wanna” instead of “want to.”
Personification
Giving human qualities to something non-human.
Symbol
Something that stands for something else.
Verbal Irony
Verbal irony is when someone says something that contrasts with or contradicts their true meaning, often for humorous or sarcastic effect, like saying “What a beautiful day!” when it’s raining heavily.
Caricature
A caricature is a simplified or exaggerated representation of a person or thing, often used for comic effect or satire, such as a drawing of a politician with an oversized head and tiny body.
Satire
To ridicule for a purpose.
Connotative
Connotative refers to the additional meanings or associations that words carry beyond their literal definitions. The word “snake” connotes deceitfulness or treachery in addition to its literal meaning of a reptile, often used metaphorically to describe a dishonest person.
Polysyllabic
Having more than one syllable.
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may actually reveal a deeper truth, like the famous paradox: “Less is more.”
Metonymy
Metonymy is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is substituted with another closely associated word, such as referring to the monarchy as “the crown” or the press as “the media.”
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is the act of placing two or more things side by side to highlight their differences or create contrast.
Example: The bright, bustling cityscape stood in stark juxtaposition to the serene, quiet countryside.
Innuendo
A hint, allusion or insinuation; meant but not stated.
Emotive
“Emotive” refers to something that evokes or expresses intense feelings.
Example sentence: Her emotive speech brought the entire audience to tears.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: She was as brave as a lion.
Periodic Scentence
A periodic sentence is a sentence that has its main clause or predicate at the end, often used to create suspense or add emphasis.
Example: Despite the blinding snow, the freezing temperatures, and the steep incline, the hikers continued their trek to the summit.
Prosaic
A prosaic definition describes something that is commonplace, unromantic, or lacking in poetic beauty.
Example: The prosaic details of his daily routine included commuting to work, answering emails, and attending meetings.