Metonymy = M: Blogging from A to Z

M is making me maniacal. So many great literary devices to choose from: metaphor, motif, myth, melodrama, monologue, mood. Not to mention an important m word that many authors credit with their final works... muse.

Last year, one of my most popular A to Z posts was M: Mauling Malapropism. Malapropism is the absurd or humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound. The master is Yogi Berra.

Words, and the ability to manipulate them, fascinate me.

So, I decided this year to focus on metonymy.

Metonymy
(source)
When the name of one object replaces another object that is closely associated with it. It comes from the Greek word metōnymía, meaning “change of name.”

As writers, we understand and believe that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Does this mean we would head into war with a bunch of ball point pens? Absolutely not. However, many of us believe that the power of the written word is greater than pulling out a sword and fighting.

Consider the word heart. In its purest definition, it is a vital organ. However, as writers we give characters heart by infusing them with tenderness, love, and empathy.

The English language is beautifully complicated. When words are in the right hands, it's amazing how they can be manipulated to convey so many things. 

Other examples:
Silver fox - an attractive older man
Cougar - an aggressive woman who prefers younger men
White House - when reporters refer to "decisions made by the White House"
Ears - "lend me your ears"

It seems to me it would be an interesting showdown between a silver fox and a cougar under the circumstances above. In real terms, a cougar would win hands down.

What is your favorite example of metonymy?

Don't forget to check out some other amazing M posts here.

Mauling Malapropism = M: Blogging from A to Z

Malapropism: Absurd or humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound.

I'll admit, I was familiar with this concept but not with this term until I was searching for interesting quotes one day. Yogi Berra, an accomplished baseball player and manager, is known for his humongous misuse of words. (okay, humorous)

Yogi Berra (from Wikipedia)

According to Wikipedia: Berra, who quit school after the eighth grade, has a tendency toward malapropism and fracturing the English language.

An example: "He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious." (ambidextrous)

Before you write off malapropism as people simply destroying the English language, consider its contribution to humor.

"Well I try to look at the bright side. I guess you could say I'm an internal optometrist." (Steve Carell as Barry in Dinner for Schmucks, 2010)

Growing up, my sister used to always run around the house looking for her homework or school needs, often asking, "Have you seen my constipation notebook?" (composition) What started as misuse continued as a way to make her sisters and parents laugh.

The more I looked into malapropism, the more intrigued I became. I think I'll be visiting this topic again in the future. Since A to Z is about keeping it short, I thought I'd share a few more examples.

"It is beyond my apprehension." Danny Ozark, baseball team manager

"Listen to the blabbing brook." Norm Crosby

An a few quotes from the All in the Family Archie Bunker character, quite the master of malapropism.

"A woman doctor is only good for women's problems...like your groinocology."

"Patience is a virgin."

"I ain't a man of carnival instinctuals like you."

What's your favorite example of malapropism?

Oh, and in case you were wondering about the title of this post, I was playing around with the concept and mulling malapropism.

*****

I hope you enjoyed M! Please join us for N through Z, and check out other A to Z participants here.