Figurative Language IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE!

Hyperbole  What is it?  Hyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates  What is it used for?  Hyperboles are used for emphasis or effect  Etymologically, “hyper” translates roughly to “over” and “bole” translates roughly to “throw.” So the word “hyperbole” means to overthrow or to go over.  Think about the word hyper. What is someone like if they are described using this word? Over Throw

Examples of Hyperbole 1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago. 2. Nobody listens to that song anymore. 3. Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age. 4. Forget knocking it out of the park, Frank can knock a baseball off the continent.  5. These shoes are killing me.  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Understatement  What is it?  When the speaker or writer express an idea with significantly less force than is expected or would be required to accurately describe an idea.  What is it used for?  Understatement can be used to downplay a negative or to be humorous.  Understatement can be understood as the opposite of hyperbole.

Examples of Understatement 1. Let’s just say that Bill Gates has got a few nickels to rub together. 2. Learning to juggle flaming chainsaws might be a little tricky at first. 3. It might take her a little while to get over her husband’s affair. 4. Jeffrey Dahmer wasn’t exactly a good neighbor.  5. The middle of the street isn’t the best place for your child to play.  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Hyperbole/Understatement EXIT SLIP/Closure  Did anyone find an example of hyperbole or understatement in ATTC?  Generate (create) your own hyperbolic statement and understatement. Turn in.

Simile  What is it?  Similes are comparisons between two unlike things using the word “like” or “as.”  What is it used for?  To make a comparison between two unlike things.  NOTE: Just because the speaker or writer uses the word “like” or “as,” this does not automatically mean that they are using a simile.

Examples of Simile 1. My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray. 2. The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop. 4. She hung her head like a dying flower.  5. Arguing with her was like dueling with hand grenades  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Metaphor  What is it?  Metaphor is a comparison between two dissimilar things without using the word “like” or “as” to make the comparison.  What is it used for?  Metaphors are used to compare two dissimilar things.  It’s been said that the greater the difference between the two things being compared, the better the metaphor.

Example of Metaphor 1. She was just a trophy to Ricardo, another object to possess.  2. Her eyes were fireflies.  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Simile & Metaphor EXIT SLIP/Closure  Did anyone find an example of a simile or metaphor in ATTC?  Generate (create) your own simile and metaphor. Turn in.

Personification  What is it?  Personification is when the speaker or writer gives human characteristics, qualities, or traits to an object or idea.  What is it used for?  Personification is used to more thoroughly describe an object or to gain a new point of view.  When this technique is applied to animals it is more appropriately called “anthropomorphism,” not personification

Examples of Personification 1. Thunder grumbled and raindrops reported for duty. 2. The traffic noises argued long into the night and finally Cal went to sleep.  3. The angry storm pounded the tin shelter.  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Personification EXIT SLIP/Closure  Did anyone find an example of personification in ATTC?  Generate (create) your own example of personification. Turn in.

Idiom  What is it?  Idioms are commonly used figurative expressions.  What is it used for?  To make a comparison between unlike things, to exaggerate or understate for effect, to personify an object/thing that is non-human.  Most idioms are similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or other figurative language techniques. Idioms have been so commonly used that native speakers use them and don’t even know that they are using figurative language.  Understanding idioms is a major milestone for those learning a new language.

Examples of Idiom 1. After eating candy, Billy ran around like a chicken with his head cut off (simile). 2. The quarter back was running out of steam (metaphor). 3. That new car cost an arm and a leg (hyperbole).  4. Tom said that he changed but actions speak louder than words (personification).  What are some examples that you have heard before?

Idiom EXIT SLIP/Closure  Did anyone find an example of an idiom in ATTC?  List an idiom/idioms that you have heard and briefly explain what it/they mean. Turn in.