Perclusio (per-clu’-si-o): A threat against someone, or something.
If you don’t stop yelling, I’m going to start yelling, and when I start yelling your head is going to explode.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Periergia (pe-ri-er’-gi-a): Overuse of words or figures of speech. As such, it may simply be considered synonymous with macrologia. However, as Puttenham’s term suggests, periergia may differ from simple superfluity in that the language appears over-labored.
We’re trying to make bacon without a pig, paint the house with a flame thrower, and make paper dolls with steak knives on a roller coaster.
Got it?
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in periergia
Tagged elocutio, example, figures of speech, macrologia, making bacon, periergia, rhetoric, trope
Period: The periodic sentence, characterized by the suspension of the completion of sense until its end. This has been more possible and favored in Greek and Latin, languages already favoring the end position for the verb, but has been approximated in uninflected languages such as English. [This figure may also engender surprise or suspense–consequences of what Kenneth Burke views as ‘appeals’ of information.]
The only thing(s) that matter(s) in life beyond the mundane hum of human existence await(s) our discovery in the rippling multiverse of being-at-once one and many, peering over the prison wall of contradiction, maddened by the parched diamond-bright presence of everything stretching through time toward nothing-at-all and snapping.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text inserted by Gorgias.
Posted in period
Tagged being and time, contradiction, elocutio, example, figures of speech, period, rhetoric, trope
Periphrasis (per-if’-ra-sis): The substitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name (a species of circumlocution); or, conversely, the use of a proper name as a shorthand to stand for qualities associated with it. (Circumlocutions are rhetorically useful as euphemisms, as a method of amplification, or to hint at something without stating it.)
I wish Put-in would Pull-out before things get out of hand in Crimea! If there was a clearly focused Camer-on, there would probably be better news from Ukraine.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in periphrasis
Tagged Cameron, circumlocution, Crimea, current-events, elocutio, example, figure of speech, jive talking, periphrasis, Putin, rhetoric, Snowden, trope, Ukraine
Personification: Reference to abstractions or inanimate objects as though they had human qualities or abilities. The English term for prosopopeia (pro-so-po-pe’-i-a) or ethopoeia (e-tho-po’-ia): the description and portrayal of a character (natural propensities, manners and affections, etc.).
Jimi Hendrix is telling me “The wind cried Mary.” I don’t know about that, but I’ve heard the moon burp and say “I’m full.” The moon is impolite.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in personification
Tagged elocutio, ethopoeia, example, figures of speech, Jimi Hendrix, personification, prosopopoeia, rhetoric, trope
Polyptoton (po-lyp-to’-ton): Repeating a word, but in a different form. Using a cognate of a given word in close proximity.
I like to like what I like to like. Why? Because liking what I like is likely to make me happy! Just imagine if I didn’t like what I like at the same time as I like it. That is, one may like something in one sense, but not like it in another. I’d rather like what I like in every sense! Does that make sense? Or do I look like a fool?
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in polyptoton
Tagged elocutio, example, figures of speech, I like what I like, nonsense, polyptoton, rhetoric, trope
Polysyndeton (pol-y-syn’-de-ton): Employing many conjunctions between clauses, often slowing the tempo or rhythm. (Asyndeton is the opposite of polysyndeton: an absence of conjunctions.)
We saw the problem clearly, and we made a plan to fix it, and we found a way to capture the resources to enable the plan’s implementation, and we implemented the plan, and after all we said, and all we did, we did have our hope fulfilled, and after 18 years of struggle our lives have returned to normal, and our community, our beautiful community, is restored.
Posted in polysyndeton
Tagged elocutio, example, figures of speech, planning, polysyndeton, rhetoric, struggling, trope
Procatalepsis (pro-cat-a-lep’-sis): Refuting anticipated objections.
We say diplomacy and an infusion of a few billion Euro will save the day. A negotiated diplomatic solution to the current crisis is certainly more beneficial in the long run than running across the border waving M-16s and NATO banners. The first shot fired toward the East may be the last shot ever fired by anybody ever, given the nukes aimed at Europe and Putin’s red-hot paranoia.
About the the money: No Euro, no economic recovery, no Ukraine. A few billion is a relatively small price to pay to keep a sovereign democracy on the western frontier of freedom functioning while it regroups and regains its fiscal strength. We trust in Ukraine’s future–a future free from the clutches of border bending criminals and safe in the embrace of the European Union.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in procatalepsis
Tagged current-events, elocutio, example, figures of speech, procatalepsis, Putin, rhetoric, trope, Ukraine
Protherapeia (pro-ther-a-pei’-a): Preparing one’s audience for what one is about to say through conciliating words. If what is to come will be shocking, the figure is called prodiorthosis.
The years have gone by and we have had to say good-bye to so many murdered sisters and brothers chewed up and spit out dead or maimed by seemingly endless war—war without borders, war without shame, war without victory, war, war, war!
The world is engulfed by terror, hatred and horror. We cry for its wretched regions; ceaselessly flooded by the blood of the guiltless flowing deep red through the gates of hell thrown open by raging blasphemy shouting out His holy names.
Together we have stood our ground. Together we have pushed hard the stem the flood. Together.
And yet, as much as we have sacrificed, today it is my sad duty to tell you . . .
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in protherapeia
Tagged blasphemy, current-events, elocutio, endless war, example, figures of speech, prodiorthosis, protherapeia, rhetoric, trope
Proverb: One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, apothegm, gnome, maxim, paroemia, and sententia.
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (Prov. 22:3 [NIV])
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Prozeugma (pro-zoog’-ma): A series of clauses in which the verb employed in the first is elided (and thus implied) in the others.
Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had a palace–ee-yi–ee-yi-oh. With a life-size painted plastic horse here and a golf course there–ee-yi-ee-yi-oh. With pirate ship restaurant here and a big live ostrich there–ee-yi-ee-yi-oh.
Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had a palace–ee-yi–ee-yi-oh. With a helipad here and a rare breed of pig there. A car collection here and some bottles of Viktor Vodka there–ee-yi-ee-yi-oh.
Oh-yi! Oh! Oh! Oh! Where the heck did Yanukovych go?
Vladimir Putin had a hideout–ee-yi-ee-yi-oh. With a Yanukovych there and . . .
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in prozeugma
Tagged current-events, elocutio, example, figures of speech, prozeugma, Putin, rhetoric, trope, Ukraine, Yanukovych
Pysma (pys’-ma): The asking of multiple questions successively (which would together require a complex reply). A rhetorical use of the question.
Our crypto platform has been compromised. How did we find out about this? Who was involved? Who is to blame? Why did they do it? How did they do it? How has it affected our reputation for honesty, integrity, and openness? What are we going to do moving ahead? These are the questions we intend to address over the coming days. But today, I can tell you that we . . .
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in pysma
Tagged crypto, current-events, elocutio, example, pysma, rhetoric, rhetorical question, trope
Ratiocinatio (ra’-ti-o-cin-a’-ti-o): Reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions. Sometimes equivalent to anthypophora. More specifically, ratiocinatio can mean making statements, then asking the reason (ratio) for such an affirmation, then answering oneself. In this latter sense ratiocinatio is closely related to aetiologia. [As a questioning strategy, it is also related to erotima {the general term for a rhetorical question}.]
In Florida, I have a right to stand my ground. You threaten me, I kill you. Under lex talionis, does that tally up? What would Hammurabi say?
Let’s re-taliate the ‘taliation: What’s the fair price to pay for being perceived as a deadly threat?
I won’t back down vs. I can’t back down. Back to the wall? Fire away! Otherwise, run away. Does that tally up?
I give up.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.
Posted in ratiocinatio
Tagged aetiologia, anthypophora, elocutio, erotima, example, figures of speech, Florida, Hammmurabi, lex talionis, ratiocinatio, rhetoric, stand your ground, trope
Repotia (re-po’-ti-a): 1. The repetition of a phrase with slight differences in style, diction, tone, etc. 2. A discourse celebrating a wedding feast.
1. I am your only chance? I, your only chance? Yes! I am your only chance, but only if you take that chance with me!
2. Your wedding is a portrait of endless promise, inexhaustible as love’s invisible warmth. We know your marriage, like your courtship, will bring out the best in both of you, lighting your lives with happiness, hope, and love.
So, here’s to you, our friends: To your love! To your marriage! To your future! To our joy!
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Restrictio (re-strik’-ti-o): Making an exception to a previously made statement. Restricting or limiting what has already been said.
You made a good point, but it isn’t good enough to persuade me or anybody else! Here’s why . . .
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in restrictio
Tagged but, elocutio, example, figures of speech, restrictio, rhetoric, trope
Scesis Onomaton (ske’-sis-o-no’-ma-ton): 1. A sentence constructed only of nouns and adjectives (typically in a regular pattern). 2. A series of successive, synonymous expressions.
1. Political problem. Violent solution. Civil war. Revoltion.
Riots. Fire. Bullets. Death. Broken nation. Torn apart. Broken promises. Broken hearts.
Ukraine! Today we feel your pulse again–revived by the hard pressure of vilolence and protest, and currently sheltered by a political deal, perhaps, now, there is a way to heal.
2. Don’t forget to write! Remember me in letters! I hope to hear from you soon!
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in scesis onomaton
Tagged Broken nation, current-events, elocutio, example, figures of speech, Political problem, rhetoric, scesis onomaton, trope, Ukraine
Sententia (sen-ten’-ti-a): One of several terms describing short, pithy sayings. Others include adage, apothegem, gnome, maxim, paroemia, and proverb.
My wonderful husband once told me, “I may be lying in the gutter, but I’m staring at the stars.”
Tonight, here in New Hampshire, I know what Bill meant. But tonight it is a little different! It is snowing like hell and I can’t see the stars.
Ha ha! That was somewhat funny. Thank you! But seriously, if I were homeless, I’d just go to sleep and freeze to death in the gutter. But I am not homeless! I am not going to go to sleep! Instead, I am going to South Carolina!
Before I board my campaign ambulence, I want to introduce my new Presidential Campaign Manager, Mr. Ben Gahzi!
In the coming months, Mr. Gahzi will . . .
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Syllepsis (sil-lep’-sis): When a single word that governs or modifies two or more others must be understood differently with respect to each of those words. A combination of grammatical parallelism and semantic incongruity, often with a witty or comical effect. Not to be confused with zeugma: [a general term describing when one part of speech {most often the main verb, but sometimes a noun} governs two or more other parts of a sentence {often in a series}].
You wrecked our car, the garage door, and my day.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.
Synathroesmus (sin-ath-res’-mus): 1. The conglomeration of many words and expressions either with similar meaning (= synonymia) or not (= congeries). 2. A gathering together of things scattered throughout a speech (= accumulatio [:Bringing together various points made throughout a speech and presenting them again in a forceful, climactic way. A blend of summary and climax.])
He was a big, tall, towering nightmare. A screamer. A yeller. A beligerant blunt-force human trauma. He never backed down. He never gave way. He got hit by a Fedex truck. Then, he hit the Fedex truck, sued, won, and moved to Belize.
Or:
He’s a father, brother, son, husband, uncle, cousin, nephew, and grandson. He’s connected 8 ways to his family, but only one way to his friends!
Or:
In summer, he spent his afternoons rolling cigarettes in the garage and “looking for things.” He would ride up and down the driveway for hours on “Phony” his minature pony.
At night he would go out in the yard, pull down his pants, and hop up and down until he fell over.
Every morning he would get up, go to the kitchen, stick his butt in the microwave, and crow like a rooster. Then, he would boil water, make tea, throw a cupfull on the rubber portrait of King George III in the bottom of the sink and yell “Party on that Georgie boy.” His favorite breakfast was a pancake ham sandwich dipped in a bowl of warm Amarula.
It was during the fall, winter, and spring that he worked at night in his office, and during the day, in his laboratory in Washington, D.C. He was an inventer. He had 16,211 patents. He made Thomas Edison look like a tinker. He earned well over $3,000,000 per year in royalties for things like his “How Now Snow Plow,” “Karmic Bath Towel,” and “Chunky Tuna Maker.”
In short, the guy was different. He marched to the color of a different crayon. He thought outside of the outside. He was a beggar and a chooser. He was a comma without a clause.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in synathroesmus, Uncategorized
Tagged accumulatio, climax, congeries, elocutio, example, figures of speech, inventor, rhetoric, synathroesmus, synonymia, Thomas Edison, trope
Synecdoche (si-nek’-do-kee): A whole is represented by naming one of its parts (or genus named for species), or vice versa (or species named for genus).
A: Hey! Do you have an extra smoke? I need a light too.
B: Anything else? How about a new set of lungs?
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in synecdoche
Tagged elocutio, example, figures of speech, light, rhetoric, smoking, synecdoche, trope
Synonymia (si-no-ni’-mi-a): In general, the use of several synonyms together to amplify or explain a given subject or term. A kind of repetition that adds emotional force or intellectual clarity. Synonymia often occurs in parallel fashion. The Latin synonym, interpretatio, suggests the expository and rational nature of this figure, while another Greek synonym, congeries, suggests the emotive possibilities of this figure.
Super Bowl XLVIII (48?). New Jersey. Meadowlands. No roof. Temperature in the 40s. Cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Slight chance of Seattle winning. Slight chance of half-time wardrobe malfunction. Slight chance of viewer sobriety.
However, there is a strong chance, possibility, prospect, probability, and likelihood of seeing funny ads right here before the game!
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)
Posted in synonymia
Tagged commercials, congeries, elocutio, example, figures of speech, interpretatio, rain odds, rhetoric, seattle odds, super bowl 48, trope, wardrobe malfunction odds
Synthesis (sin’-the-sis): An apt arrangement of a composition, especially regarding the sounds of adjoining syllables and words.
I will will to be—so free to be the sign on the wall, a waterfall, a song singing softly at the edge of what you said right before we went to bed and slipped along the sloping night, the holy night, the gauzy night, hot and not, and never right—together, two feathers flicking off the stars, touching each other’s scars in the dim honesty of darkness and the healing glow of sleep.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Syntheton (sin’-the-ton): When by convention two words are joined by a conjunction for emphasis.
Fire and ice.
Together, we turn to smoking slush.
And then become an ashen paste.
Melted and extinguished by each other’s embrace.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
Posted in syntheton
Tagged elocutio, example, figures of speech, fire and ice, rhetoric, syntheton, trope
The Daily Trope 