Metonymy, Synecdoche and Hyperbole

Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which something is called by a new name that is related in meaning to the original thing or concept. Metonymy, (from Greek metōnymia, “change of name,” or “misnomer”). Purposes of using a metonymy is to add flavor to the writing.

There are some examples of Metonymy:

·         The White House is busy welcoming the presidents of some developing countries.

·         He writes a fine hand

·         I am going to buy a pair of Levi’s

·         A cup of good day can make you enjoy your day

·         The pen - can refer to prison or to the act of writing

·         The crown - a royal person

·         Lend me your ears by Mark Antony di Julius Caesar

·         Dish - To refer an entire plate of food

·         The Pentagon - For the Department of Defense and the offices of the U.S. Armed Forces

·         Sword - For military force

·         Hollywood - For US Cinema

(http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/writing-metonymy.php)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL_q_bnE7ck)

Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole thing. The word synecdoche is derived from the Greek phrases synekdochē and ekdechesthai, meaning “to sense” and “to understand.”

There are examples of Synecdoche:

·         A boy has been admitted to the hospital. The nurse says, “He’s in good hands.”

The boy is not literally being taken care of by two hands. Rather, he is being taken care of by an entire hospital system, including nurses, assistants, doctors, and many others. This is an example of microcosmic synecdoche, as a part signifies a whole.

·         New wheels - refers to a new car

·         Ask for her hand - refers to asking a woman to marry

·         The word “bread” refers to food or money as in “Writing is my bread and butter” or “sole breadwinner”.

·         The phrase “gray beard” refers to an old man.

·         The word “sails” refers to a whole ship.

·         The term “coke” is a common synecdoche for all carbonated drinks.

·         The word “glasses” refers to spectacles.

·         “Coppers” often refers to coins.

·         A gossip refers a "wagging tongue."

(http://literarydevices.net/synecdoche/)

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figurative language technique where exaggeration is used to create a strong effect.  With hyperbole, the notion of the speaker is greatly exaggerated to emphasize the point.  The word “hyperbole” is actually composed of two root words: “hyper” which means “over,” and “bole” which means “to throw.”  So, etymologically, “hyperbole” translates roughly to “over throw” or “to throw over. True to it’s origins, hyperbole or language that is hyperbolic overstates a point or goes a bit too far.

There are examples of Hyperbole:

·         I am so tired I cannot walk another inch” or “I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here

·         That woman has no self-control.

·         That was the easiest question in the world.

·         Nothing can bother him.

·         I can smell pizza from a mile away.

·         I went home and made the biggest sandwich of all time.

·         The lesson was taking forever.

·         These shoes are killing me.

·         He walked down the road to nowhere.

·         My dad knows everything about cars.

·         I will never say “never.”

·         I’d move mountains for her.

·         She is perfect in everyway.

·         I could listen to that song on repeat forever.

(http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language/figurative-language-examples/hyperbole-examples/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYy4UQ8plJQ)