By Bill Welker, EdD

Figurative language (or figure of speech) involves meaning that is deeper than its literal presentation. Moreover, your child should begin to develop an understanding of figurative language in the formative years, starting in fourth grade.

Consider the following statement containing figures of speech:

“We were all ears, our hair stood on end and our blood ran cold as we watched the scary film.”

Just picture yourself with ears all over your body, your hair standing on end and cold blood running through your veins. In reality, this literally doesn’t happen. However, the effect, involving the horror of the moment, is heightened when we use figurative language.

There are many forms of figurative language that make speeches and writings more colorful. It is important that your child understands the purpose of such descriptive devices. The following are nine types of figurative language and examples.

1. Hyperbole: A hyperbole is an exaggeration or overstatement.

Example I am so hungry that I could eat a horse.

2. Irony: An ironic expression is used to emphasize just the opposite of what the author really means. It’s humorous, light sarcasm.

Example Your performance on the test was absolutely magnificent. I never saw an F-minus before.

3. Simile: A simile is a comparison of two completely different things, emphasizing a similar characteristic by using the words “as” or “like.”

Example The teacher with a 100 student was as busy as a beaver.

4. Metaphor: A metaphor also is a comparison of two completely different objects, emphasizing a similar characteristic, but it is a much stronger comparison. It basically states that one thing “is” another.

Example Philip, our team’s quarterback, is a shining star on the playing field.

5. Onomatopoeia: The function of onomatopoeic words is to represent sounds in speaking or writing.

Example Inside the zoo exhibit, a poisonous snake from India hissed at us.

6. Oxymoron: Oxy moronic words are used together to describe something, but which are opposite in meaning.

Example Because of his positive contributions to society, Stephen Douglas was called a “little-big” man.

7. Personification: A personification involves giving human qualities to non-human objects.

Example The cunning fox spoke to the intruders in a threatening fashion to stress that they were not welcome.

8. Euphemism: A euphemism uses the substitution of a mild or inoffensive expression for a blunt or harsh one.

Example He passed away to his final resting place. (Euphemism for “dead.”)

9. Idiomatic Expression or Idiom: The intended meaning of the expression is different from its literal meaning.

Example We’re in hot water. (Intended meaning: We’re in trouble.)

Now it’s test time. Let’s see how you and your child can select the correct figure of speech presented in each of the following statements. The answers can be found at the end of the column.

1. I almost jumped out of my skin.

2. “Hoot! Hoot! Cried the owl.

3. The chef is as neat as a pin.

4. The car gasped as it lurched up the hill.

5. You did well at the race track today. Do you still own your house?

6. The cashier is a gem.

7. This was a bittersweet lesson in life.

8. I must have done that a million times.

9. Don’t call Johnny’s a “klutz.” Say he has difficulty with motor control and coordination.

Without question, figurative language should never be taken on face value. As parents, you can help your child by teaching him or her to interpret the true meaning of figurative language be it spoken or written.

(Figure of Speech Answers: 1. Idiom; 2. Onomatopoeia; 3. Simile;

4. Personification; 5. Irony; 6. Metaphor; 7. Oxymoron; 8. Hyperbole;

9. Euphemism.)

Parent Proverb

“Forget injuries; never forget kindness.”

– Confucius

Next Month’s Column: “Better Writing Skills Enhance Achievement”

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Bill Welker is a retired reading specialist who was a K-12 classroom teacher for 40 years. He is a former “Teacher of the Year” recipient awarded by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. His e-mail is mattalkwv@hotmail.com.)