Figurative Language and Idioms

What is Figurative Language?  Figurative Language – language that goes beyond the literal (actual) meaning of the words.

Types of Figurative Language  Imagery – helps paint a picture in your mind We sat on a cool, green carpet of grass. The moist and chocolaty scent floated to me.  Simile – comparison using like or as She is as strong as a horse.  Metaphor – comparison between two unlikely things Sara is a nightingale in the school choir.

Types of Figurative Language  Alliteration – repeated consonant sounds Creamy and crunchy  Personification – gives human qualities to animals or objects The low clouds bumped into the mountians  Onomatopoeia – use of words that mimic sounds Buzz, swish, zigzag, zip

Types of Figurative Language  Hyperbole – exaggerated statement My brother exploded when he saw the damage to his car.  Idiom – word combos that have a meaning different than the literal meaning Rush hour traffic moves at a snail’s pace. Sally was tongue tied when she said the poem.

What is an idiom?  Idiom – a combination of words that have a meaning different than the literal meaning of the words individually

Examples of Idioms 1) To sit on the fence Literal Meaning – one who is sitting on a fence Idiomatic Meaning – one who is not making a clear choice regarding a situation The politician sat on the fence and would not give his opinion about the tax issue.

Examples of Idioms 2) To hold one’s horses Literal Meaning – to hold another person’s horses Idiomatic Meaning – to stop and wait patiently for someone or something “Hold your horses,” I said when my friend started to leave the store without me.

Examples of Idioms 3) To put your foot in your mouth Literal Meaning – to put your foot into your mouth Idiomatic Meaning – to say something embarrassing incorrect I put my foot in my mouth when I yelled “stranger danger” as my mom grabbed my arm.