Metalepsis (me-ta-lep’-sis): Reference to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it, either through a farfetched causal relationship, or through an implied intermediate substitution of terms. Often used for comic effect through its preposterous exaggeration. A metonymical substitution of one word for another which is itself figurative.
“You’re like a roller coaster: you go up and down and give me a thrill.” My wife told me this on our 30th wedding anniversary in front of our children and grandchildren. Our 16 year-old grandson applauded and said “Way to go Grandpop—you’re a legend. Keep it up. Ha ha!” My sister blushed and said “I don’t believe you! He always looks like he’s going to collapse any minute, or just have a heart attack and die.” My wife said “If you only knew Betsy.” Our son Ed said “We all know mother’s fading into dementia. Let’s just leave alone.” Then, with a sarcastic tone he said “It’s OK Mom. We believe you. Dad’s always been a bit rambunctious.”
That did it. I had taken a selfie video clip of us doing it the the night before. I pulled out my cellphone and yelled “You want proof? I got proof—right here in my phone!” I held up my phone and aimed its screen at my family. My daughter screamed and in a panic driven voice, told her children to “shelter in the kitchen.” All the kids scrambled into the kitchen except my 16 year-old grandson who yelled “I’m ready for some proof” and stood his ground.
I yelled “Do you really want see this, or are you going to take her word for it? I’m still good for a jounce, and I hope I will be until the day I die.” They capitulated. The kids came out of the kitchen and we resumed our celebration.
However, I couldn’t help noticing how my son’s third wife Tember was eyeing me. She was blushing and staring at my crotch. I asked her if she wanted something in particular. She looked away and ran out the front door. I was going to chase her, but I decided not to. My son didn’t need a fourth wife.
Definitions courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
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