What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions that are different than the literal meanings.

Figurative language helps the reader get a clearer pictureof what is happening in the story.

Figurative language can be used to simply entertain thereader.

Figurative language “spices up” your reading and writing!

Let’s “spice up” some sentences by using figurative language!

John is really tall!

John is as tall as agiraffe!

Is John really as tallas a giraffe (literally)?

No, but figurative language helps us to understandthat John is very tall. We get a clearer picture of John.

Let’s “spice up” another sentence by using figurative language!

My sister has been talkingon the phone for a long time!

My sister has been talkingon the phone for a year!

Has the sister reallybeen talking on the phonefor a year (literally)?

No, but figurative language helps us to understand that she has been talking on the phone for a loooong time! It gives us a clearerpicture.

There are different types of

figurative language.

similes

metaphors

personification

idioms

alliterationhyperboles

onomatopoeia

simileA simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as”.

metaphorA metaphor compares two things without using the words “like” or “as.”

The clouds floated through the sky like puffy marshmallows.

The clouds are puffy marshmallows.

idiomAn idiom is a saying that has a different meaning from its literal meaning.

Who let the cat out ofthe bag?

literally meaning of the idiom:

Who told the secret?

personificationPersonification is when an idea, animal, or object isgiven human characteristics.

alliterationAlliteration places two or more words together that begin with the same sound.

The gentle breeze kissed the children’s cheeks.

The alligator ate an apple!

hyperboleA hyperbole uses an exaggeration to get a point across.

My brother has a million toys!

Not really, but he does have A LOT of toys!

onomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia is when a word imitates the sound thatit represents.

Now, let’s look at some comics

thatrelate to figurative language!

Sample Discussion Questions:

This comic has an exampleof figurative languagein it. What is it, and whatpoint is the comic’s authortrying to get across?

What is the literal meaningof, “It’s raining catsand dogs!”?

What type of figurativelanguage is used in this comic?

Sample Discussion Questions:The mother is using two examples of idioms in this comic. What are they?

The kids do not understand figurative language, so they take the mom’s comments literally. What point is the mom trying to get across tothe kids in frame 1? Frame 2?

Frame 1 Frame 2

Sample Discussion Questions:

What attributes identify this figurative language asa simile?

What two items are beingcompared using the word“as?”

How do you know that thispizza is not “fresh out of the oven?”

Sample Discussion Questions:Garfield states that he used alliteration. What is the example of alliterationthat he is referring to?

Can you use another example of alliteration that would make sense in this comic?

Pook

y

Sample Discussion Questions:

This comic shows an exampleof figurative language comparing two things. The dad is comparing the _________ to a ________.

The dad is using the word, “like,” to compare two items. What type of figurative language is this an example of?

“The engine is purring like a kitten.” What does this tell you about the engine?

Sample Discussion Questions:“Stop bugging me!” What does this mean?

Sample Discussion Questions:

What is the key word thatmakes this an exampleof personification? Why?

What word do you see hiddenin “personification?”

Sample Discussion Questions:

A hyperbole uses exaggerationto get a point across. What is the exaggeration in thissentence?

Describe the backpack basedon the use of figurative language.

What would be another example of a hyperbolethat could be used to describe something really heavy?

Sample Discussion Questions:“The trees are sneezing.” What type of figurative language is this comicdemonstrating?

Fill in the blanks with words that demonstrate personification:

The leaves ___________________ in the wind.

The wind _______________ in my ear.

The wind _______________ through the window crack.

dancedwhispered

whistled

Sample Discussion Questions:

Note: “Play through” in golf means that you let someone pass you on the golf course.

What does the man actually mean by, “Time to pick it up, guys.”?

“Pick it up” can also be used in another context. If your mom tells you to “Pick up your room,” what does she mean (literally)?

There is a common statement that utilizes a hyperbole:

“I am so hungry, I could eat a horse!”What does this mean?

Now, explain the comic and its humor.

The End!