Figurative Language

Figurative language is language that one must figure

out. Figurative language is the opposite of literal language, where the
words convey meaning exactly as defined. In figurative language the
reader must determine the writer’s intended meaning, as the
words by themselves do not express it clearly. The listener or
reader must “figure” out what is meant.
We will look at some common figures of speech. I will discuss these
examples alongside definitions of figurative language techniques.
Then I will share some resources to help you learn, review, or teach
figurative language. It’s important to note: I make a distinction
between figurative language and poetic devices. Though the
skills are related, I find that it is more digestible to teach these
concepts in separate units. This page focuses exclusively on
figurative language techniques.

Hyperbole
Hyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates for
emphasis or effect.
“Hyper” is a Greek word that means “over” or “beyond.” And “bole”
translates roughly to “throw.” So the word “hyperbole” means to
overthrow or to go over. Hyperbolic is the adjective form
and hyperbolically is the adverb. One way to help students
remember hyperbole is to focus on their background knowledge of
the word “hyper.” Ask students to describe the behavior of someone
who might be considered hyper. Show students that when someone
is hyper, they might be doing a little too much. Draw the connection
that when someone uses hyperbole, they are going too far.
Examples of Hyperbole
1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago.
2. Nobody listens to that song anymore.
3. Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age.
4. Forget knocking it out of the park, Frank can knock a baseball
off the continent.
5. These shoes are killing me.
 Hyperbole can be an effective technique for getting your point
across. As you continue studying and reviewing this concept, be
conscious of the fact that hyperbole is often confused with
understatement (saying too little or minimizing the effect of a
statement).

Idiom
Idioms are figurative expressions used so often that they
become part of the language.
Idiom is not a distinct figurative language technique. Rather, most
idioms are similes, metaphors, or other figurative language
techniques. For example, the idiom “I’m so hungry that I could eat a
horse,” is an example of hyperbole. And the idiom, “dropping like
flies,” is a simile. But idioms have been used so commonly that they
have become part of the colloquial lexicon of native language
speakers. In other words, native speakers use them so much that
many don’t even know that they are using figurative language.
Idiom Examples
1. Bob’s new corner office was just the icing on the
cake (metaphor).
2. After eating candy, Billy ran around like a chicken with
his head cut off (simile).
3. The quarter back was running out of steam (metaphor).
4. That new car cost an arm and a leg (hyperbole).
5. Tom said that he changed but actions speak louder than
words (personification).
Idioms are generally used so frequently by native language speakers
that it often goes unnoticed that figurative language is even being
used. When someone is learning a new language, one of the
milestones of progress is when the learner begins to understand and
use the language idiomatically or colloquially.

Metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison between two different things
without using the word “like” or “as.”
 One of my teachers once told me that the greater the difference
between the two things being compared, the better the metaphor.
This is an idea that I’ve grown to appreciate. For example, when
asked to create a metaphor, a student of mine once wrote, “Football
is baseball.” Though this is arguably a metaphor, it generally would
not be regarded as a very good one. The objects of comparison are
too similar. “Football is chess” would be an improvement, because
those two things are more dissimilar.
Metaphor Examples
1. The cast on Michael’s broken leg was a plaster shackle.
2. She was just a trophy to Ricardo, another object to possess.
3. The path of resentment is easier to travel than the road to
forgiveness.
4. Waves of spam emails inundated his inbox.
5. Her eyes were fireflies.
Metaphors help us understand the world. They help us communicate
and understand each other. They make for great poetry too.

Personification
Personification is when the speaker or writer gives human
characteristics, qualities, or traits to an object or idea.
To put it even simpler, personification is when an object or idea does
something that only people do. Though animals are often given
human traits and characteristics in poems and stories (such as in
fables), when this technique is applied to animals it is more
accurately called anthropomorphism.
Personification Examples
1. Thunder grumbled and raindrops reported for duty.
2. The moon turned over to face the day.
3. One unhappy icicle wasted away in the day.
4. The traffic noises argued long into the night and finally Cal
went to sleep.
5. The angry storm pounded the tin shelter.
Personification makes our language more exciting. It animates our
world. Try using some in your writing today.

Simile
Similes are comparisons between two unlike things using the
word like or as.
Similes are commonly used in both speech and literature. Because
of the signal words like and as, students are usually able to identify
similes better than other figurative language technique. However,
students should know that just because the speaker or writer uses
the word like or as, does not automatically mean that they are using
a simile. Like also expresses a preference for something. In the
statement, “I like pizza,” no comparison is being made; the speaker
merely expresses a preference. My point is that
while like and as can be helpful signal words, in a simile a
comparison must be made.
Understatement Examples
1. My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear
your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and
occasionally we’d pray.
2. The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop.
3. The handshake felt like warm laundry.
4. She hung her head like a dying flower.
5. Arguing with her was like dueling with hand grenades.
Similes are a good place to start teaching figurative language. They
are pretty easy to grasp and fun to create as well.

Understatement
Understatement is when the speaker or writer expresses an
idea with much less force than is expected.
Understatement can be understood as the opposite of hyperbole. In
hyperbole, the statement goes too far; whereas in understatement,
the statement does not go far enough. Understatements are often
used to downplay something negative. They can also be humorous.
 Simile Examples
Here are some example understatements:
1. Let’s just say that Elon Musk has got a few nickels to rub
together.
2. Learning to juggle flaming chainsaws might be a little tricky
at first.
3. It might take her a little while to get over her husband’s
affair.
4. Jeffrey Dahmer wasn’t exactly a good neighbor.
5. Maybe the middle of the street isn’t the best place for your
child to play.
Understatement can be fun and funny to write. Try to think of an
extreme situation. Then try to think about how to express that in the
most understated way possible. Give it a shot (which is a metaphor
and an idiom BTW).