Phraseology

• Phraseology is the study of idioms and expressions in a language. It deals with the ways language is used in phrases, particularly focusing on idiomatic expressions.

Semantic Categorization of Idioms

• The semantic relationship between the literal meanings of words and the meaning of the whole phrases can be categorized into distinct classes which are:

  • Opaque idioms

  • Semi-opaque idioms

  • Semi-idioms

Opaque Idioms

• Definition: Opaque idioms are categorized as pure idioms, demotivated idioms, or phraseological fusions.

• Slovak Terms: idiómy, frazeologické zrasty

• Characteristics:

  • There is no direct connection, synchronically, between the meanings of the individual words and the overall meaning.

• Examples:

  • blow the gaff: To reveal a plot or secret.

  • lock, stock and barrel: Including every part of something.

  • red tape: Excessive bureaucracy.

  • hot dog: An exclamation expressing delight or enthusiastic approval.

Semi-Opaque Idioms

• Definition: Semi-opaque idioms are referred to as semi-transparent, figurative idioms, or motivated idioms.

• Slovak Term: frazeologické celky

• Characteristics:

  • There is some connection between the meaning of the whole expression and the literal meanings of individual components.

• Examples:

  • pack one’s bags: To suddenly leave, often due to a disagreement.

  • child’s play: Something that is very easy.

  • fan the flames: To do or say something that provokes a strong reaction.

Body Language Idioms

• Some scholars include body language idioms, where actions represent emotions or feelings.

• Examples:

  • shake one’s hand: No (indicating refusal).

  • shrug one’s shoulders: To show a lack of interest.

  • hang one’s head: To feel guilty.

  • pat someone on the back: To praise someone for their accomplishments.

Semi-Idioms

• Definition: Semi-idioms are also called restricted, bound collocations, or phraseological combinations.

• Slovak Term: frazeologické spojenia

• Characteristics:

  • They involve one word or several words used in a figurative meaning alongside others with a literal meaning.

• Examples:

  • foot the bill: To pay the bill.

  • dirty money: Money obtained unlawfully or immorally.

  • white lie: A harmless or trivial lie.

  • teething troubles: Short-term problems that occur in early stages.

Polysemy

• Definition: Polysemy refers to the existence of multiple related meanings for a single expression, forming its semantic structure.

• Types of Idioms:

  • Monosemous Idioms:

  • Have one meaning.

  • Example: a drop in the ocean refers to a very small amount.

  • Polysemous Idioms:

  • Have more than one related meaning.

• Gradual Polysemy:

  • Describes a connection between the original meaning and subsequent meanings.

  • Examples:

  • black eye: 1. A bruise near the eye; 2. A mark of shame.

  • tread water: 1. Stay upright while floating; 2. Making no progress while waiting.

• Parallel Polysemy:

  • Idioms that can convey more than one meaning in different contexts.

  • Examples:

  • give way: To allow to go first, replace, brake.

  • go bananas: To become angry, crazy, or silly, possibly combining both.

  • Connotation Variability: Polysemous idioms may hold positive or negative connotations depending on context.

  • Example: of the first water can mean the best or could refer to a thief as the most extreme example.

Fixedness and Structure of Idioms

• Definition: Fixedness refers to the degree to which idioms are fixed expressions.

• Idioms often manifest varying degrees of:

  • Structural Fixedness

  • Semantic Fixedness

  • Morphological Fixedness

  • Syntactical Fixedness

• Complete fixedness is rare; idioms typically exhibit some variability.

Typically Fixed Idioms

• Examples of Fixed Idioms:

  • part and parcel

  • at the eleventh hour

  • red tape

• Enhancement of Fixedness: Occasionally increased through rhetorical or euphonic means like alliteration, assonance, or rhyme.

• Examples of Rhetorical Enhancement:

  • burn one’s bridges

  • as fit as a fiddle

  • out of sight, out of mind

Variations in Grammatical Forms of Idioms

• Example of Variations:

  • Make up one’s mind can appear in numerous grammatical forms:

  • Make up your mind.

  • I haven’t made up my mind yet.

  • Miss Marple made up her mind to discuss these points with Inspector Craddock.

  • His mind was made up.

• Additional Variability in Usage: Each idiom can have specific forms or permissible variations depending on context.

• Examples of Usage Variations:

  • “If Dempsey wants to poke his nose into such matters…”

  • “If this fellow pokes his nose in…”

  • “Always poking her nose in…”

  • “I am not the one to stick my nose in…”

  • “You sure stick your noses into…"