Just a "Figure of Speech"

A Figure-of-speech

(Simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, etc…)

 

Clear expression of meaning is partly achieved through utilization of word context as well as by content. Every Good lawyer, and citizen, knows that one never asks a question unless the interrogator already knows the true answer. The same relevancy exists in conversation, written or oral. Just as with fine dining, the experience is as much defined by presentation as by reality. In each endeavor, the secret key ingredient is: Love! Skeptical? Just try baking a cake or preparing a meal or spinning a tale absent “Love” as the motive and see how it doesn’t turn out.

To spice-up mundane words and their usage, try employing “figure-of-speech” to dialog.

Simile is to make a comparison between things for the purpose of clarification of an abstract thought conveyed or to erase obfuscation of some meaning; this function is usually hinted by the usage of the word like or as. For example: Mary is cute as a button. Or, That ball was hit like a bullet. Sports writers and broadcasters often employ this technique. The illusion is not that Mary’s looks are a button or that the ball is a bullet, only that the result is similar. Such usage also paints a mental picture for the recipient of the description to observe a “view” of meaning.

Metaphor practices a comparison which states emphatically that something actually is something else. It rained cats and dogs is an example of metaphor. Of course, it did not actually rain real cats and dogs---uh…er, unless, perhaps, you just happened to step in a poodle! Sorry! That’s another metaphor incorporating mis-direction. Maybe, now, you think you need boots?

Alliteration employs extraneous entertaining enumerated examples excitedly executed economically effortlessly efficient. To wit: a litany of words beginning with the same consonant or similarly-sounding non-vowel. “I’d rather have a free bottle in front of me than a free frontal lobotomy” incorporates a very viable volatile variation on the linguistic literary language limited liabilities. What? In the world did he just say?

Hyperbole is an obvious overstatement (a metaphor) like an exaggeration of facts (simile). “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times” is an example. “I could lick my weight in wildcats!” is another; one simply cannot lick one’s own weight. Yuck!

Paraprosdokian is comedic in usage; an unexpected conclusion follows logical premises. “Going to church doesn’t make one a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes one a car.” Or, “If you break your leg, don’t come running to me!” How about, “I used to be indecisive; now, I’m not so sure.” My personal favorite: When I was sick, a lot of people prayed, but I lived anyway. (That one makes some people pretty nervous!) One more: A “liberal” is just a conservative who hasn’t been mugged---yet! Finally: Try this, Oh! Humble citizen: Behind every successful man is his woman; behind every failed man is---usually…another woman.

Amen! To that!

Life is NOT a destination; it is NOT dress-rehearsal! Life is for Living! To be enjoyed; to give Love and to accept love. Spice-up your life and your language---It’s fun! Enjoy the adventure!

Faith! Family! Freedom! Might just be all there really---Is!

In one eternal instant the only mercy-blessing will be…His

Amen!