Figurative Language Language not meant literally but use for emotional effect or emphasis

Hyperbole It was a zillion degrees below zero.

Simile Example: “…the rug that smells like low tide.

Metaphor A direct comparison between two unlike things

Personification giving an animal or object human-like characteristics.

Metaphor Example: "You are a cloud.”

Hyperbole Extreme exaggeration not to be taken literally, often used for humorous effect

Simile Comparing two unlike things using like or as

Personification The book jumped out of my hands.

Metaphor a comparison between two or more things that doesn't use the words like or as.

Oxymoron Old news

Onomatopoeia “Bang. Squirrel stew tonight!”

Symbol Something that on the surface is its literal self but which also has another meaning

Hyperbole Example: “I keep tripping over everything. Cracks in the sidewalk, ants on the sidewalk, shadows, anything.”

Symbol Example: “…how we got to be Freak the Mighty slaying dragons and fools and walking high above the world.”

Personification Example: “…until the last spark dies”

Oxymoron When contradictory words are used together

Irony an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

Simile a comparison between two or more things using the words like or as.

Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Allusion It was as if Jack Frost had moved in with us.

Malapropism misusing words ridiculously, especially by the confusion of words that are similar in sound.

Irony We expect Kenny to be happy when Byron gets his gloves back, but he is sad for Larry Dunn.

Onomatopoeia When a word sounds like the sound it is naming.

Malapropism I’ll be the laughing sock of the whole school!