Terms Flashcards
What is acyrologia?
An incorrect use of words, especially the use of words that sound alike but are far in meaning from the speaker’s intentions.
from Gk. a, “not”, kyros, “authority,”
and logos, “speech”
Also sp. acirilogia
acyron, improprietas
What is synecdoche?
A whole is represented by naming one of its parts (genus named for species), or vice versa (species named for genus).
Gk. “to take with something else”
Also sp. syndoche
intellectio, subintellectio, pars pro toto
intelleccion, figure of quick conceite
What is metonymy?
Reference to something or someone by naming one of its attributes.
The Pen is mightier than the Sword.
Words attributed to Pen
Might attributed to Sword
What is metalepsis?
Reference to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it,
What is catachresis?
The use of a word in a context that differs from its proper application.
This figure is generally considered a vice; however, Quintilian defends its use as a way by which one adapts existing terms to applications where a proper term does not exist
What is acyron?
The use of a word repugnant or contrary to what is meant
“Never could I have hoped for such great woe” Aeneid 4.419
Gk. without authority
improprietas
uncouth
Related to: acyrologia, catachresis
Give an example of acyrologia
Examples: The teacher’s aid is will be neutering me
Homey the clown
What French term is close to acyrologia?
Note: Malapropisms are a kind of acyrologia.
Name some of the relationships in metalepsis
Either through a farfetched causal relationship, or through
an implied intermediate substitution of terms. Often used for comic effect through its preposterous exaggeration.
A metonymical substitution of one word for another which is itself figurative.
Give examples of catachresis
Examples: A misapplication of one part of the body to another: “The elbow of his nose”
“parricide” is used to refer to matricide
misuse of verb ‘see’: “I could see from his speech”
Break down the etymology for metonymy
from meta, “change” and onoma, “name”
Synonyms for metonymy
Also sp. metonimia
hypallage
denominatio, transmutatio, transnominatio
the misnamer, change of noun or name, transmutation of a word
Break down the etymology for metalepsis
from Gk. meta, “change” and
lambanein “to take” (“to change the sense”)
Synonyms for metalepsis
transumptio
transumption, the farrafet
‘Transumption’ applies to which Greek rhetorical term?
metalepsis
‘Transmutation of a Word’ applies to which Greek rhetorical term?
metonymy
‘The farrafet’ applies to which Greek rhetorical term?
metalepsis
Which Canon of Rhetoric does metalepsis belong to?
Invention
Give an example of metalepsis
Pallid Death Lead Foot (substitution of terms) Tristram Shandy blames his troubled life and character (the effect) on his parents' ill-timed conception of him (the remote cause)—a rather comical and extended example of metalepsis.
Given an example of synecdoche?
Wheels for car
Longhorns for cattle
What is Syncrisis?
Comparison (or contrast) in parallel clauses.
Example:
We support the victory; they decry the cost
What other terms is Syncrisis related to?
- Antithesis
NB. Comes full circle back to Topic of
Invention (Contraries) - Parallelisms
What are Parallelisms?
Similarity of Structure Between:
1. Words
Her pastry was light and fluffy
2. Phrases
Walking or chewing gum is lotsa fun
3. Sentences
Pork is plentiful, ham is inexpensive,
tenderloin is cheap, but
spare ribs are the bestWhat is taxis and what Topic is it related to?
To divide a subject up into its various components or attributes.
Related to Comparison (Subject / Adjuncts)
What is Subject / Adjuncts; and what Topic is it related to?
A topic of invention in which one takes into account both what is essential (the “subject”) and what is accidental or simply characteristic of something (its “adjuncts”).
Related to Topic of Invention
What rhetorical terms are closely associated with Subject/ Adjuncts?
taxis metonymy peristasis epitheton periphrasis antonomasia enargia Figures of Amplification
Other than Hegel, what other terms is antithesis associated with?
enantiosis antitheton paradox oxymoron Figures of Balance Gorgianic Figures
What is enantiosis?
Using opposing or contrary descriptions together, typically in a somewhat paradoxical manner.
Example: Money is an excellent servant, but cruel master
What is antitheton?
A proof or composition constructed of contraries.
NB. Antitheton is closely related to and confused with the Figure of Speech “antithesis”. However, it is more properly considered a Figure of Thought (=Topic of Invention: Contraries).
Example:
Flattery hath pleasant beginnings, but the same hath very bitter endings
What is paradox?
A statement that is self-contradictory on the surface, yet seems to evoke a TRUTH nonetheless.
He who loses his life shall find it.
What is oxymoron?
A compressed paradox.
What is inopinatum and what is it closely related to?
A kind of paradox which includes an expression of one’s inability to believe or conceive of something; a type of faux wondering).
Example:
It seems impossible to me that this administration could so quickly reverse itself on this issue.
Related:
As such much like aporia and functions much like a rhetorical question or erotema.
What is aporia?
Deliberating with oneself as though in doubt over some matter; asking oneself (or rhetorically asking one’s hearers) what is the best or appropriate way to approach something.
Example:
How shall I begin to describe her wisdom?
What is erotema?
(More form than substance)
The rhetorical question. To affirm or deny a point strongly by asking it as a question.
Generally, as Melanchthon has noted, the rhetorical question includes an emotional dimension, expressing wonder, indignation, sarcasm, etc.
Example:
Why are you so stupid?
What is irony?
Speaking in such a way as to imply the contrary of what one says, often for the purpose of derision, mockery, or jest.
Examples:
When in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing the constable Dogberry says “redemption” instead of “damnation” (itself a malapropism), the fact that he means precisely the opposite of what he so passionately exclaims makes this a comical use of irony:
O villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this
What are the main figures of irony?
- Antiphrasis
Irony of one word, often derisively through patent
contradiction. - Paralipsis
Stating and drawing attention to something in the
very act of pretending to pass it over. - Epitrope
A figure in which one turns things over to one’s
hearers, either ironically, or in such a way as to
suggest a proof of something without stating it. - Sarcasmus
Use of mockery or verbal taunts. - Mycterismus
What is Mycterismus?
A mock given with an accompanying gesture, such as a scornful countenance.
Example:
Nothing happened between the blond and me, nudge nudge, wink wink.
What is contrarium?
Juxtaposing two opposing statements (=antithesis) in such a way as to prove the one from the other. More generally, a composition of opposites (=antitheton).
Related figures to come
