a change from the ordinary manner of expression using words other than its literal sense to enhance the

way a thought is expressed

Most commonly used FOS: simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole

 Metaphor

you imply that two things are alike, but it is not literally applicable Simile expresses direct comparison between two unlike things; uses the signal words like, as, as if.

 That

man is a beast. She is as cold as ice. Men's words are bullets that their enemies take up and make use of against them.

 Personification

giving human characteristics to inanimate objects Hyperbole an exaggeration of characteristics or attributes, usually done for effects and not to be taken literally.

When she smiles her cheeks fall off. The moon hid herself behind the blue clouds. I had so much homework, I needed a pickup truck to carry all my books home. Wind yells while blowing. Austin has mosquitoes so big, we dry them out and use them as footstools!

A statement that appears to contradict itself. (Adj: paradoxical) Examples: I'm a liar. How do you know if I'm telling the truth? The most corrected copies are commonly the least correct. Less is more.

condensed or compressed paradox Examples: wanton modesty cruel kindness dark with excessive bright faith unfaithfully kept

A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. Washington = the United States government the sword = military He loves the bottle. All hands on deck. Let the courts decide.

Stating one thing while meaning the exact opposite; usually with a humorous or sarcastic side Examples: He was no notorious evildoer but he was twice in jail. What a great day!

Substitution of an inoffensive term (such as passed away) for one considered offensively explicit (died) enhanced interrogation = torture Guys, I feel very terrible about what I'm about to say. But I'm afraid you're both being let go.

use of a word that is normally one part of speech in a situation that requires it to be understood as a different part of speech I'll get you, my pretty. Season your admiration. I'll unhair thy head. Me, dictionary-ing heavily.

The formation or use of words (such as hiss or murmur) that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to Examples: Bang! went the pistol; Crash! went the window. Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime. #