Unit 1: Lessons 6-11

Idioms An idiom is an expression that has a meaning different from the usual meaning of the individual words within it. EXAMPLE: Let’s hit the road means “let’s get going,” not “let’s strike the ground.” {Activity} Read each sentence. Then write the letter of the corresponding idiom for the underlined word or words.

Come up with Come down with Come through In the pink (e) In the red (f) A heart of stone (g) Feet of clay (h) Through the grapevine Across the board (j) Under the weather My boss seemed perfect at first, but she turned out to have human feelings like everybody else. Analysts say prices will increase in all areas this year. If you don’t get a flu shot, you may contract a nasty bug. We all knew that you would be successful in the end. It’s obvious that Kayla is feeling good. We need to provide the answer by Monday! I heard from other people that you are leaving. The company is losing money. You would have to have no pity not to be moved by the faces of those children. I have been feeling sick for a few days now.

Colloquialisms and Slang A colloquialism is a word or expression that is used in speech or informal writing, but is not appropriate in more formal work. EXAMPLE: The colloquial expression in the sentence, “Wilfrid Laurier was crazy about his dogs,” would be acceptable in conversation or written dialogue, but would not be acceptable in a history paper or other formal writing.

Slang is language that is relatively new and often used by a specific group of people to set themselves apart from others. Slang is not appropriate in formal writing, and should be used sparingly, even in informal writing. EXAMPLE: Computer users sometimes refer to postal services by the slang term snail mail.

In the dictionary, colloquialisms are often labelled "informal,” while slang, if it does not pass quickly out of use, is usually labelled at “slang.” Both colloquialisms and slang are listed under the entry for the most important word in the expression. EXAMPLE: The expression over the hill is listen under “hill” in the dictionary. {Activity} Identify five slang expressions that you use when speaking with your friends, but that you would not use in formal writing.

Denotation and Connotation The denotation of a word is its exact meaning as stated in a dictionary. EXAMPLE: The denotation of both skinny and slender is “thin” The connotation of a word is the suggested meaning of a word in addition to its actual meaning. Connotations can suggest emotions, or positive or negative value judgements. EXAMPLES: Slender has a positive connotation Skinny has a negative connotation

Some words are neutral and do not have a strong negative or positive connotation. EXAMPLE: thin, rather than slender or skinny, is usually neutral. {Activity} Rewrite the following paragraph. Replace the underlined words with others that have a more positive or neutral connotation.

I love camping. I love to listen to the savage beasts as they barge into my campsite to devour my leftovers. The sound of a radio blaring, or of giddy campers searching for the outhouse at two in the morning are true wilderness experiences. In the tent, the shrill whine of a mosquito looking for blood reminds me of the life-and-death struggles taking place nightly in the murky woods outside. I especially enjoy huddling around the campfire, as the flames dance higher and the heat scorches my face. And what could be better than eating lumps of charred marshmallow from the end of a stick? Oh, yes, I do love camping.

Euphemisms A euphemism is a mild or indirect way to express something harsh or unpleasant. EXAMPLE: pass away is a euphemism for die. {Activity} Write sentences using two or more euphemisms for each of the following words. Dead Poor Second-hand old

Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, Personification Figurative Language uses words to create an image or effect. Some types of figurative language draw comparisons with other objects, people, or things. A simile is a direct comparison that uses like or as. EXAMPLE: I was trembling like a lost puppy as I waited for my audition. A metaphor is an implied comparison. EXAMPLE: My heart melted when I saw the little angels sitting at their desks.

Personification attributes human qualities to something that is not human. EXAMPLE: The vine in my garden has extended it’s long fingers into my neighbour’s backyard. {Activity} Write your own figurative comparisons to express the following: A headache A rainstorm A characteristic of someone you like The way a cat moves A rock concert

Figurative Language: Symbols A symbol is an object that is used to represent something more than itself. EXAMPLE: at a wedding, the ring symbolizes eternity, wholeness, and continuity, because it has no beginning and no ending. When writers use symbols, they often use them in a specific way that fits the context of the story of poem. EXAMPLE: a tree is a universal symbol of knowledge, truth, life, and so on. However, in a particular work, an author might use a tree that a character used to climb as a symbol of childhood.