Word Play Literary Devices Flashcards
Anthimeria
Anthimeria is a type of word play in which a word is employed using a different part of speech than what is typically associated with that word.
Most make a verb a noun or noun a verb.
Ex. “I’ll unhair thy head.”
Double Entendre
A double entendre is a form of word play in which a word or phrase is used ambiguously, meaning the reader can interpret it in multiple ways.
Often used sexually in normal speech.
Ex. When I see you, we’re gonna fight.
Kenning
Kenning is a phrase, usually two nouns, that describes something figuratively, often using words only somewhat related to the object being described.
Used in many ethnic/racial slurs.
Ex. Raven’s harvest - Corpse; Pot head - Weed adict.
Malapropism
A malapropism is employed when the correct word in a sentence is replaced with a similar-sounding word or phrase that has an entirely different meaning.
Ex. “He is the very pineapple of politeness!”
Metalepsis
Metalepsis is the use of a figure of speech in a new or surprising context, creating multiple layers of meaning.
Ex. “Till life do us part,” “Happy Death day”
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a self-contradictory phrase.
Ex. Virtual Reality
Palindrome
A palindrome is a word or phrase that is spelled the exact same forwards and backwards (excluding spaces).
Ex. A nut for a jar of tuna
Paraprosdokian
A paraprosdokian is a play on words where the writer diverts from the expected ending of a sentence.
Ex. When life gives you lemons, throw it away so you can die.
Portmanteau
A portmanteau is a word which combines two distinct words in both sound and meaning.
Ex. Brunch.
Spoonerism
A spoonerism is a play on words in which the initial sounds of two neighboring words are swapped.
Ex. Tike Nech (Nike Tech)
