rhetorical devices #2 Flashcards
Chiasmus
words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form;
e.x. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”
cheer -> spongebob -> when the going gets tough
Chiche
an expression that is trite, worn-out, and overused. ex: “jump for joy” and “quick as a flash”
Connotation
implied or suggested meaning of a word ex: an innocent, pure or docile sheep
con artist -> suggests something
Denotation
the dictionary meaning of a word ex: a young sheep
den=dic
Diction
an author’s choice of words; contributes to the tone of the text
ex: that guy was mad -> that gentleman was irritated
Epanalepsis
repetition of the initial part of a clause or sentence at the end of that sentence
ex: The king is dead, long live the king. Severe to his servants; to his children, severe.
Euphemism
mild or pleasant sounding expression that substitutes for a harsh idea ex: passed away instead of died
euthanisation
Figurative Language
all uses for language that imply imaginative comparison ex: “you’ve earned your wings” instead of “you succeeded”
Foreshadowing
purposeful hint placed in a work of literature to suggest what might occur later in the piece
Hyperbole
exaggeration is used to complete emphasis ex: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse
Idiom
a word or phrase that is used habitually with a particular meaning in language; not understandable to non-natives of the language ex: catch a cold, give them a hand
idiot wouldn’t know
Irony
when a situation produces an outcome that is the opposite of what is expected
Jargon
occupation-specific language used by people in a given profession, the “shorthand” that people in the same profession use to communicate with each other. ex: unintelligible language
Juxtaposition
when two contrasting things are placed next to each other for comparison
Litotes
ironical statement in which an affirmative is addressed by the negative of its contrary ex: you won’t be sorry, meaning you’ll be glad
ironic -> lit is ironic
