Tag Archives: tropes

Aschematiston

Posted on November 29, 2017 | Leave a comment

Aschematiston: The use of plain, unadorned or unornamented language. Or, the unskilled use of figurative language. A vice. [Outside of any particular context of use or sense of its motive, it may be difficult to determine what’s “plain, unadorned or unornamented language.” The same is true of the “unskilled use of figurative language.”]

1. Today is Wednesday. Tomorrow is Thursday. Then comes Friday. Friday is payday. Starting at 5.00pm, it is the best day of the week. It’s when the Senators and Representatives take off their shirts and hang around the mall.

2. The sky is clouded with big clouds, like floating Brillo pads hovering over bedsheets of snow. Winter has arrived and I am headed to the air-conditioned wonderland brimming with swimming pool hopes and coconut pies. It’s like watching a puppy wag its tail. Mexico, here I come!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.

Leave a comment

Posted in aschematiston, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Asphalia

Posted on November 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

Asphalia (as-fay’-li-a): Offering oneself as a guarantee, usually for another.

To Whom It May Concern:

I can vouch for my nephew Sid. On the surface he looks like a dishonest, violent, reprobate. Those things that he’s done are completely out of character! I know Sid and he would have a good reason for “beating up” his girlfriend–we don’t have to know anything more than what he’s told us and one thing’s for sure Sid’s not a liar.  He’s pretty small and self-defense seems like a reasonable motive–somehow the little guy won the round this time. He must’ve figured out some winning boxing moves.

In short, Sid is a good boy.

As you probably know, I am writing this from my cell at Ossining. So, you know I have nothing to gain by lying, as I have been completely reformed and helping my nephew out of a scrape will never count toward my parole.

If I’m wrong about Sid, add another 10 years to my sentence! I (a beacon of good behavior) stand behind Sid 1,000 percent. Trust me! I wouldn’t con you!

Yours truly,

Ponzi

Ponzi McDough

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

Leave a comment

Posted in asphalia, Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Assumptio 

Posted on November 26, 2017 | Leave a comment

Assumptio (as-sump’-ti’o): The introduction of a point to be considered, especially an extraneous argument. See proslepsis (When paralipsis [stating and drawing attention to something in the very act of pretending to pass it over] is taken to its extreme. The speaker provides full details.).

I’m not going to talk about the Department of State–what’s left of it. A bunch of positions haven’t been filled and diplomats are being fired right and left. The hallways are empty. Might as well turn off the power and shut the place down.

This brings up the question: How are government agencies staffed? What kind of rationales (if any) need to be developed to grow or shrink them? How is an agency’s mission factored into its staffing, or elimination altogether? What are the puts and takes connected to staffing and restaffing?

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

Leave a comment

Posted in assumptio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Asteismus 

Posted on November 25, 2017 | Leave a comment

Asteismus (as-te-is’-mus): Polite or genteel mockery. More specifically, a figure of reply in which the answerer catches a certain word and throws it back to the first speaker with an unexpected twist. Less frequently, a witty use of allegory or comparison, such as when a literal and an allegorical meaning are both implied.

Paul R.: I would never collude with the Russians!

Adam S.: You better hope you’re right or you’ll never get out of prison.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Leave a comment

Posted in asteismus, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Bomphiologia

Posted on November 20, 2017 | Leave a comment

Bomphiologia (bom-phi-o-lo’-gi-a): Exaggeration done in a self-aggrandizing manner, as a braggart.

Good evening.

A brief update on how I am making America great again!

I’ve made a lot of work for attorneys at the FBI–that’s great for the economy! I’ve scared the crap out of the American people–all worried about being blown up by some crazy North Korean dictator! That’s good for the pharmaceutical industry–all those tranquilizers being sold! It’s good for the psychology business too! Everybody’s trying to figure out how to manage their fear and they are using an unprecedented number of professional counselors! Sales of gin and vodka are up 300% as people try to numb their senses and calm their nerves the old fashioned way!

Those are just a few of my fantastic and definitely positive accomplishments–the actual list of accomplishments stretches from here to Russia (via the internet).  That’s pretty far and it is awesomely beautiful like my wife, my money, and my hair.

A big thumbs up to me! Almost singlehandedly, I’m making America great again!

In summary, stay tuned tomorrow for my unbelievably amazing plan for citizens 70 & over! Attention! No more waiting around for health care all you disgruntled seniors!

In conclusion, thank-you and God bless everything, with the exception of illegal immigrants, Democrats, and John McCain.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Leave a comment

Posted in bomphiologia, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Brachylogia

Posted on November 19, 2017 | Leave a comment

Brachylogia (brach-y-lo’-gi-a): The absence of conjunctions between single words. Compare asyndeton. The effect of brachylogia is a broken, hurried delivery.

Last year. Last month. Last week. Yesterday. This morning. This afternoon. This evening. Right now! I couldn’t stop wanting to go to Yankee Candle to buy some exotic scented candle to literally spice up what goes on around here when we’re alone together on a lonely country road in the front seat of my truck.

Those little pine tree hanger things really didn’t do the job and I was ready for a change.

So, look at my scented candle truck cab burner invention!

My only concern at this point is catching the truck’s cab on fire. That’s why I’ve made this tin-foil doohickey that looks like a little silver tent! If I’m right, and this works, I’ll make millions of dollars. I’ve named it the “Front Seat Fire Starter” after the passion it will arouse when lit!

Here, let’s fire up the prototype and see if we can set the front seat on fire!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Paperback and Kindle versions of the Daily Trope are available on Amazon.

Leave a comment

Posted in brachylogia, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Catachresis

Posted on November 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Catachresis (kat-a-kree’-sis): The use of a word in a context that differs from its proper application. This figure is generally considered a vice; however, Quintilian defends its use as a way by which one adapts existing terms to applications where a proper term does not exist.

I am spellbound with gratitude.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

Leave a comment

Posted in catachresis, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Cataphasis

Posted on November 14, 2017 | Leave a comment

Cataphasis (kat-af’-a-sis): A kind of paralipsis in which one explicitly affirms the negative qualities that one then passes over.

They say he likes children. We think his idea of ‘liking’ is not appropriate, especially when it involves taking his pants off in front of a 14-year-old girl.  But instead of talking about the deviance that happened many many years ago, let’s talk about today’s deviance–it isn’t sexual, it’s political. . . .

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in cataphasis, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Cataplexis 

Posted on November 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

Cataplexis (kat-a-pleex’-is): Threatening or prophesying payback for ill doing.

You have hurt me badly. You have dragged me through the dirt. You ruined my life. You are rotten. You are evil. You make me sick.

If you think you’re going to get away with this, you are crazy. Watch your back. Don’t let your guard down. The clock is ticking and the alarm will go off when you least expect it: the bell will toll for thee.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in cataplexis, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Charientismus

Posted on November 10, 2017 | Leave a comment

Charientismus (kar-i-en-tia’-mus): Mollifying harsh words by answering them with a smooth and appeasing mock.

You keep calling me an idiot. I guess I am an idiot for hanging out with you! I’m too smart for this crap.

I think it’s time for you think about who the real idiot is.

Can I call you an idiot?

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in charientismus, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Chiasmus

Posted on November 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

Chiasmus (ki-az’-mus): 1. Repetition of ideas in inverted order.  2. Repetition of grammatical structures in inverted order (not to be mistaken with antimetabole, in which identical words are repeated and inverted).

I am going to the mall! To the shopping center I’m headed! I’ve warmed up my credit card so it’ll slide right into the chip reader and make that alarming honking sound signaling that I’ve paid for some shoes or candy, a toilet bowl plunger or a bracelet made of fake gold! Just sign on the screen and everything’s mine.

Oh yeah!

Hi ho! Hi ho! It’s off to the mall I go! Bagging and bragging. Bragging and bagging! Pants: $150.00. Jacket: $445.00. Boots: $245.00. Socks: $60.00. Cashmere sweater: $420.00. Sunglasses: $155.00. Cologne: $85.00. Cookware: $1,120.00. Briefcase: $220.00. Laptop: $995.00. Blender: $95.00. Tent: $180.00. Heated toilet seat: $550.00. Staples: $3.20. Hat: $35.00.

Yahoo!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in chiasmus, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Chronographia

Posted on November 7, 2017 | Leave a comment

Chronographia (chro-no-graph’-i-a): Vivid representation of a certain historical or recurring time (such as a season) to create an illusion of reality. A kind of enargia: [the] generic name for a group of figures aiming at vivid, lively description.

Autumn is just about finished. In the woods behind my house the orange, red, yellow and brown leaves cover the ground. They speak in a raspy voice as we walk through them along our newly cleared trail. I don’t know what the leaves are saying, but it’s not about regret for falling softly to earth. It’s probably about their next incarnation as they will slowly begin to join the soil–to decay like everything else in the woods, and maybe at some point embrace an acorn or a beechnut or a catkin: to nourish them as they sprout into existence striving to be trees.

So, Daylight Savings Time is over. Halloween has come and gone. Now, we wait for the first frost and hope for a mild Winter, but we know it will go below zero and snow, and snow, and snow.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in chronographia, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Climax

Posted on November 6, 2017 | Leave a comment

Climax (cli’-max): Generally, the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance, often in parallel structure.

Once again, too soon after the previous ‘once again’, there was a gun and there were bullets. There was shooting and mass killing.

First I am shocked. Then I am saddened. Then I feel anger that turns into outrage.

What can I do? What can you do? What can we do? What can anybody do?

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (www.rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in climax, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Coenotes

Posted on November 5, 2017 | Leave a comment

Coenotes (cee’-no-tees): Repetition of two different phrases: one at the beginning and the other at the end of successive paragraphs. Note: Composed of anaphora and epistrophe, coenotes is simply a more specific kind of symploce (the repetition of phrases, not merely words).

I am not going to leave. I need to be here–to watch TV and enjoy your cooking too! I will never go.

I am not going to leave. You need me to support you. You need the money I earn to make the mortgage payment and pay for the car and all the crap you bought on the internet. I will never go.

I am not going to leave. I don’t care what you say. We are a perfect couple. We compliment each other: I like staying home & you like going out. You are a vegetarian & I love meat. I like bowling & you think it sucks. I watch Fox News & you watch MSNBC. We are a perfect couple. I will never go.

You’re filing for a restraining order? Well, on that note, I guess it’s time to go.

You can find me again on Facebook when you realize what a mistake you’ve made!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in coenotes, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Commoratio

Posted on November 1, 2017 | Leave a comment

Commoratio (kom-mor-a’-ti-o): Dwelling on or returning to one’s strongest argument. Latin equivalent for epimone.

I think we have to consider what’s tangible when we’re trying to establish what kind of cheese this is. To be sure, it is blue cheese, but there are around 40 cheeses characterized by veins of blue mold.

I think our best bet is to read the label on the cheese’s package! It says “Blue Cheese.” Ha Ha! Read the label–always a good idea.

So, what we have here is generic USA blue cheese.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in commoratio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Comprobatio

Posted on October 30, 2017 | Leave a comment

Comprobatio (com-pro-ba’-ti-o): Approving and commending a virtue, especially in the hearers.

You sat there. You stayed awake. You asked easy questions. You stood and applauded and waved signs and booed when the time was right.

You made me look good! The rehearsal paid off. Believe me!

So, thank-you all for your loyalty and commitment to making America Great Again, and to hell with Puerto Rico, Rocket Man, and Polar Bears.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in comprobatio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

Conduplicatio

Posted on October 29, 2017 | Leave a comment

Conduplicatio (con-du-pli-ca’-ti-o): The repetition of a word or words. A general term for repetition sometimes carrying the more specific meaning of repetition of words in adjacent phrases or clauses. Sometimes used to name either ploce or epizeuxis.

More! More! More! More what? Soup? Money? Lawn tractors? Friends? Weasels? Bar codes? Guns? Shoes? Bandwidth? Cake? Rainbows? Rice cookers? Wine? Smart Wool socks? Rings? Car seats? Salt? Scissors? Time? Proof? Polartec pants? Printer paper? Windows? Gluten? Gaslights? Cash? Ripe avacados? Room? Tea? Tables? Turnstiles? Tonsils? Fur coats? Space heaters? Sweaters? Crayons? Or what?

More! More! More! Never stop. No surfeit! No bulge! No harps playing as they put you on eternal layaway.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in conduplicatio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

Congeries 

Posted on October 27, 2017 | Leave a comment

Congeries (con’ger-eez): Piling up words of differing meaning but for a similar emotional effect [(akin to climax)].

Crying, sweating, stumbling, falling, passing out. Today, I tried walking home from work. If a passerby hadn’t known CPR and performed it on me I’d be resting in the morgue right now!

I’m going to check my health insurance policy and my ‘final expense’ policy tonight. If they’re in good order, I’ll try walking to work in the morning.

I think I’ll buy some sweatpants and t-shirts on Amazon and carry my suit and tie in a shopping bag. I think my loafers will work for footwear, but I may have to buy some walking shoes too.

If I die tomorrow, you can have my glass kangaroo collection and giant ice cream bowl–my two most prized possessions: valuable, delicate, different and beautiful. I’ve spent a lot of good quality time arranging and rearranging my kangaroos while eating Chocolate-Covered Cupcake ice cream from my bowl–which, as you know, is made from silver and is encrusted with moonstones.

Wish me luck and pass the kale and beans! Big day tomorrow!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in congeries, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Consonance

Posted on October 26, 2017 | Leave a comment

Consonance: The repetition of consonants in words stressed in the same place (but whose vowels differ). Also, a kind of inverted alliteration, in which final consonants, rather than initial or medial ones, repeat in nearby words. Consonance is more properly a term associated with modern poetics than with historical rhetorical terminology.

What he knew he lacked in substance he backed with pounding fists, vague references to “things” and snide asides directed toward his adversaries.  He was a dangerous hack–a puffed-up throwback to the glory days of demagogues, dictators and political thugs. We owe it to ourselves to put politicians like him on shelves labeled “Poison: Do Not Elect.”

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in consonance, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Correctio

Posted on October 25, 2017 | Leave a comment

Correctio (cor-rec’-ti-o): The amending of a term or phrase just employed; or, a further specifying of meaning, especially by indicating what something is not (which may occur either before or after the term or phrase used). A kind of redefinition, often employed as a parenthesis (an interruption) or as a climax.

Jeff Flake–is that Little Jeffy Snow Flake? Big Jeffery Dandruff Flake? Or, Whiny Jeffin Corn Flake?

Wait! Those are the wrong questions to ask.

I should ask: what’s a fallen Flake like you doing criticizing me? Snow, dandruff and breakfast cereal are too good for you to be compared to!

Have a happy retirement Mr. Liar.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in correctio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Deesis

Posted on October 24, 2017 | Leave a comment

Deesis (de’-e-sis): An adjuration (solemn oath) or calling to witness; or, the vehement expression of desire put in terms of “for someone’s sake” or “for God’s sake.”

Bozo: I swear on my mother’s grave that I would never cheat on you baby. You mean the world to me. For God’s sake, you’ve got to believe me.

Other: Your mother’s in the next room watching Jeopardy on TV. She’s alive. How can you swear on her grave?

Bozo: Oh–hmm–I should’ve said her burial plot.

Other: Where’s her burial plot?

Bozo: Well, I actually haven’t bought it yet. Here’s the brochure. I could swear on the brochure. Is that good enough for you baby?

Other: No, and who is that woman sitting next your mother on the couch?

Bozo: Um well, she’d an old friend. She stopped by to use the bathroom and decided to stay and watch TV with my mother. Don’t worry, there’s nothing between us–except you and my mother–ha ha ha.

Other: Have a good life Bozo. Good bye.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in deesis, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Dehortatio

Posted on October 23, 2017 | Leave a comment

Dehortatio (de-hor-ta’-ti-o): Dissuasion.

If you keep doing that you’ll get warts on your hand and everybody will know what you’ve been doing.

Do you want that to happen?

You better quit.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in dehortatio, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Dendrographia

Posted on October 22, 2017 | Leave a comment

Dendrographia (den-dro-graf’-ia): Creating an illusion of reality through vivid description of a tree.

There so many trees that are older than me. There is one in my woods. It is a white pine tree that, judging by its size,  is at least 80 years old. I am 70. I look up at it–it’s probably 100 feet tall. I am 6′ 2″ tall–I weigh around 200, the white pine probably weighs a ton.

The tree is graceful. As it sways in wind, its pinecones fall to earth and feed squirrels, chipmunks, mice and probably more! Additionally, its pinecones’ seeds sometimes sprout, take root and grow into new trees.

The white pine’s branches are covered with “needles”–green pin-like growths that do the work of leaves, and have a fragrance that says “Welcome to the woods.” Also, beneath the white pine, the ground is carpeted with sweet-smelling needles that have turned brown and make a soft place to rest or relax and daydream.

In sum, the white pine is a towering tribute to nature’s expressions of its beauty, diversity, and endurance.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Leave a comment

Posted in dendrographia, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Diacope 

Posted on October 21, 2017 | Leave a comment

Diacope (di-a’-co-pee): Repetition of a word with one or more between, usually to express deep feeling.

What? Me, self-absorbed? I can’t imagine what would make you think I’m self-absorbed.

I take care of myself. I watch out for my interests. I stay in the lead. That’s called being prudent.

I think what you’re saying is stupid. Self absorbed? Me? Never!

Well-balanced? Bright? Articulate? Most important person in the world? Definite yes, yes, yes, yes.

Now, get out of here. You’re fired!

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

The Daily Trope is available on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in diacope, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Dialogismus

Posted on October 20, 2017 | Leave a comment

Dialogismus (di-a-lo-giz’-mus): Speaking as someone else, either to bring in others’ points of view into one’s own speech, or to conduct a pseudo-dialog through taking up an opposing position with oneself.

He’s shaping up to be the greatest President the United States of America has ever had! But you say it’s doubtful, Donny–so doubtful.

Ha! That’s not true. Look at the loyalty, the love, the affection!

Ok–Donny says it’s true: he’s making America great again in his own special way.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Print copies of the Daily Trope are available at Amazon for 9.95. There’s also a Kindle edition available for $5.99.

Leave a comment

Posted in dialogismus, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,