Figurative Language versus Literal Language
Joe Doe
Professor
PHI 210

Figurative language can sometimes be misused or misconstrued, which makes it difficult for thinking to be productive. With that being said, understanding the meaning and function of a term can be vital when communication occurs. Providing an example for each term will make it easier to understand how the term can be used in a sentence. Discussing circumstances for using the specific term and when it could lead to a misunderstanding will show how the term can be used in the day-to-day world and will also show how the term can be misused. The terms that will be discussed are: idiom, analogy, metaphor, simile, cliché, amphiboly, “flame word”, hyperbole, euphemism and colloquialism. An idiom is two or more words that give a different meaning than that of the literal meaning. According to Webster’s New World (2011), idioms are used often to replace a literal word or expression, and many times the idiom better describes the full nuance of meaning. The major function of an idiom is to translate the literal meaning of the words to a different meaning. Many times, the popular use of the term is what makes it easy to understand. An example of an idiom would be “break a leg,” which in translation means to wish someone good luck. An appropriate circumstance for using “break a leg” would be before a performer is going on stage. A misunderstanding could occur if someone were to take the term literal. For example, if a performer were about to go onto stage and someone shouted, “break a leg” and the performer took it literal, he/she could then become angry or upset with the person. An analogy is a phrase used to help compare two things that are similar to one another. This major function of an analogy is to make the words easier to understand by comparing the two. An example of an analogy would be comparing a bird and a fish. Although they are different, one could compare it by “a bird is to flying as a fish is to swimming.” A circumstance for using “a bird is to flying as a fish is to swimming” is to show the similarity between the two objects even though they are different. It could be misunderstood if someone were to not understand the comparison, it would then just be stating to separate phrases with no purpose. According to Kirby & Goodpaster (2007), a standard definition of metaphor is simply “an implied comparison between two things.” So a metaphor carries another meaning with the original or carries the original meanings beyond into new meaning. The function of a metaphor is to talk about one thing while suggesting another. An example of a metaphor is “you have a heart of stone.” An appropriate situation for using this phrase would be describing someone that is “heartless” or cruel. With that being, if someone were to take this phrase literal, a misunderstanding would form. A simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (Merriam-Webster, 2013). The function of a simile is to give the phrase meaning; it compares two unlike things by using something that is similar between the two. An example of a simile is “like two peas in a pod.” A circumstance where this phrase could be used would be when someone is comparing two people. This comparison would mean that the two people are the same or almost the same. A situation in which this could be misunderstood is if the comparison is not recognized, which would give the phrase little to no meaning. Cliché is phrase or expression that is usually stereotyped or worn out due to its heavy usage. The function of a cliché is to use a worn out word or phrase to describe a current situation. It has been said that when someone uses a cliché, they are a lethargic thinker. An example of a cliché is “what goes around comes around.” An appropriate circumstance in which this phrase would be used is if one was describing how he/she should act. This phrase means that the way you treat other people will be how you will be treated. This phrase could be misunderstood if someone were not familiar with it. The person would then take the phrase literal, which would probably have no significance to them. According to Merriam-Webster (2013), amphiboly is a sentence or phrase that can be interpreted in more than one way. The function of amphiboly is to be able to describe something in more than one way. An example of an amphiboly is “I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I’ll never know” (Groucho Marx, 1930). This phrase is an amphiboly because in the beginning he supposedly shot the elephant while he was in his pajamas, and then it goes on to say that the elephant was in his pajamas. This phrase could be misunderstood if someone were unable to decipher the joke. “Flame words” are words used to trigger one’s emotions (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). The function of a “flame word” would be to insult another person by using a word that generates emotions. An example of a “flame word” is stupid or incompetent. There is no appropriate circumstance for these words to be used, but they are every day. For example, if someone were to call someone stupid or incompetent, it could be their “flame word,” which would immediately trigger his/her emotions. I think the only way for this to be misunderstanding is if someone were called a word that did not trigger their emotion’s meaning the word was not their “flame word.” Hyperboles are statements that are exaggerated. The function of a hyperbole is to make a comment that is not taken literally. An example of a hyperbole would be “your room looks like a pigsty.” An appropriate situation to use this phrase would be if someone walked into your bedroom and it was messy. Literally speaking, it does not look like a pigsty, but it is messy. A misunderstanding would take place if someone were to take the phrase literal. Euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant (Merriam-Webster, 2013). The function of a euphemism is to avoid social distress. An example of a euphemism is “big-boned” instead of overweight. A situation where this euphemism would be acceptable when referring to someone overweight as “big-boned.” A misunderstanding would be if the person still considered the term “big-boned” as socially unacceptable or if they were unaware that the person referring to the term “big-boned” was trying to be polite. Colloquialism is an expression that means something other than the literal meaning, which is normally informal. The function of colloquialism is to use an expression or term used to make communication easier. An example of a colloquialism is “What’s up?” An appropriate circumstance would be with friends or seeing someone you know. This phrase could be misunderstood if it were to be said in formal writing or at a formal outing. In conclusion, there are many terms used to describe things in today’s world. Figurative language is used to compare things from one another. Without knowing the definition of these terms, it can cause a person to misuse or misconstrue the terms. Examples allow people to fully understand how these terms can be used. Pascal once said, “words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have different effects.”

References:

“Amphiboly.” 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved April 25, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphiboly
Brenner, G. (2011). Webster’s New World: American Idioms Handbook. New York. NY: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
“Euphemism.” 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved April 25, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism
“Idiom.” 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved April 25, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiom
Kirby & Goodpaster. (2007). Thinking: Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. “Simile.” 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com.
Retrieved April 25, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simile