Nuts and Bolts final

Euphemism

• Saying something diplomatically.

• Words used to make something harsh or unkind seem gentle.

• Saying something in a less direct way.

Euphemisms and Their Replacements

• Euphemisms are used in place of emotive words considered too strong or unsuitable.

• Examples:

  • Chubby → Fat

  • Passed away → Died

  • Perspire → Sweat

  • Didn't make the grade → failed

  • Financially disadvantaged → Poor

  • Sanitary engineer → Cleaner

  • Vertically challenged → Short

  • Sex worker → Prostitute

  • Inebriated → Drunk

  • Senior citizen → Old

  • Mentally unstable → Sick mental wise

  • Intellectually challenged → Dumb

  • Residentially challenged → Homeless

  • Soft targets → Easily targeted

  • Chronologically gifted → Wise

Political Correctness (PC)

• In times of social change, descriptions of people or jobs are altered to be more acceptable, known as being politically correct

PEE

• P - Make a POINT (basic answer).

• E - Find the EVIDENCE (in the text/quote).

• E - Link your POINT and EVIDENCE using the EXPLANATION.

Ambiguity

• Unintended double meaning (usually confusing).

• Example: "The farmer allows walkers to cross for free but the bull charges."

Ambivalency

• Intended double meaning (usually clever use of words).

• Example: A MOTOR MANUFACTURER - We are driven.

Allusion

• Indirect or passing reference to something the writer assumes is familiar to the reader (e.g., characters or events from Mythology, historical facts, literature, the Bible).

• Examples: David and Goliath, Achilles' Heel, Armageddon.

Anthropomorphism

• Giving animals human characteristics, abilities, and feelings.

• Examples: Talking animals such as Nemo or Ratatouille.

Analogy

• Comparison between two things or situations to encourage a better understanding.

Cliche

• A phrase, remark, or opinion that has been said so often that it is no longer original or interesting.

Connotations

• Shades of meaning which a word may suggest.

• Examples:

  • He drives a PORSCHE - he is wealthy

  • Snake: a secret enemy, a treacherous person

Denotations

• Dictionary meaning of a word.

• Example: Snake: a limbless reptile

Diction

• Carefully chosen words which convey meaning (quote from text).

Ellipses

• Three full stops (…) indicate that words have been left out.

• Ellipsis: Shortening of a sentence by leaving things out.