Figure of Speech

What Is a Figure of Speech?

A figure of speech is an expression whose words are not used in their literal sense. A figure of speech is used to express an idea more clearly or more interestingly. For example:

• Jack has a few skeletons in the cupboard.
(This means "Jack has a few secrets." It is a figure of speech. The words are not used in their literal sense. In other words, Jack does not literally have any skeletons in his cupboard.)
• You are driving me up the wall.
(This means "You are annoying me." It is a figure of speech.)

The Seven Most Common Figures of Speech

The most common types of figures of speech are metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, hyperbole, euphemisms, and metonyms .

Examples of Figures of Speech

Here are some examples of figures of speech. Remember that figures of speech do not employ words in their literal meanings:

Metaphors Used as Figures of Speech

A metaphor asserts that one thing is something that it literally is not. For example:

• This bedroom is a prison.
• He's a real gannet.
• He listened with a stone face.
• We don't need dinosaurs in this company.

Similes Used as Figures of Speech

A simile likens one thing to another (usually achieved by the use of the word "like" or "as"). For example:

• He eats like a gannet.
• This sandwich tastes like sawdust between two doormats.
• She sings like an angel.
• It's like water off a duck's back.

Personification Used as Figures of Speech

Personification is when non-human objects are given human traits. For example:

• The tide waits for no man.
• My car tends to give up on long hills.
• Summer's healing rays

Hyperbole Used as Figures of Speech

Hyperbole is an exaggeration or extravagant statement used for effect. For example:

• I have a million problems.
• We won a tonne of cash.
• I'll die if I don't finish this crossword.

Idioms Used as Figures of Speech

An idiom is commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. For example:

• Be careful not to miss the boat.
• This is the last straw.
• You can't pull the wool over my eyes.
• Don't sit on the fence. Say what you mean.

Euphemisms Used as Figures of Speech

A euphemism is the use of agreeable or inoffensive words to replace rude or offensive ones. For example:

• kicked the bucket = has died
• knocked up = is pregnant
• letting you go = you're fired
• lost his marbles = is mad

Metonyms Used as Figures of Speech

A metonym is a term used in place of a closely related term. For example:

• Tongue = language
• Sweat = hard work.
• Capitol Hill = American seat of government
• took to the bottle = took to alcohol
• my word = my promise
• a suit = business executive, a lawyer (typically)

A Broader Definition of Figure of Speech

Some sources do not differentiate between "a figure of speech" and "figurative language," meaning the two terms are often used interchangeably. As a result, you may encounter the following alternative definition for "figure of speech":

• Figure of speech: the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner.

As "figurative language" includes techniques that employ the literal meanings of words, you may see the following also described as figures of speech:

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in successive words.

• The plate was filled with beautiful buns bursting with berries.

Assonance

Assonance is when nearby words repeat the same vowel sound.

• The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Consonance

Consonance is when nearby words repeat the same consonant sound.

• I will pick or crack the lock.

Logosglyphs

A logosglyph is a word that looks like what it means.

• She had eyes like pools.
(Here, "eyes" look like eyes and a nose, and the Os of "pools" look like round eyes.)

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia describes words that imitate or evoke the sound of what they represent.

• The NASA humans-to-Mars program is all sizzle and no steak.
("Sizzle" is an example of onomatopoeia. It sounds like steak frying.)

Read more about figurative language.

Why Figures of Speech Are Important

Often a figure of speech will be an analogy that frames a point as something else in order to explain it. Typically, the comparison is something simpler, more familiar, or more graphic. Such analogies bring writing to life by adding clarity, emphasis, bias, or interest.

For example, a figure of speech can be useful for explaining a new or complex idea by relating it to something familiar.

• During interphase, the protein binds to DNA with its elbow and then digs in with its fingers during mitosis. (Professor Leonie Ringrose)

There is often a strong sensory element to a figure of speech (e.g., creating a vivid image in your readers' minds), and this can help to make your writing more memorable and impactful.

• Team, we must throw a party in our guests' mouths. Got it?
  Yes, chef.
  Yes, chef.
  Yes, chef.
  Yes, Geoff.
  
  Did someone just call me Geoff? (Comedian Chris Wells)
(To "throw a party in our guests' mouths" is more impactful and inspiring than "our food needs to be tasty.")

Key Point

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