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Figurative language (or figure of speech) involves meaning that is deeper than its literal presentation. Moreover, your child should begin to develop an understanding of figurative language in the formative years, starting in fourth grade.

Consider the following statement containing figures of speech:

“We were all ears, our hair stood on end and our blood ran cold as we watched the scary film.” Just picture yourself with ears all over your body, your hair standing on end and cold blood running through your veins. In reality, this literally doesn’t happen. However, the effect, involving the horror of the moment, is heightened when we use figurative language. There are many forms of figurative language that make speeches and writings more colorful. It is important that your child understands the purpose of such descriptive devices. The following are nine types of figurative language and examples:

1. Hyperbole: A hyperbole is an exaggeration or overstatement.

Example – I am so hungry that I could eat a horse.

2. Irony: An ironic expression is used to emphasize just the opposite of what the author really means. It’s humorous, light sarcasm.

Example – Your performance on the test was absolutely magnificent. I never saw an F-minus before.

3. Simile: A simile is a comparison of two completely different things, emphasizing a similar characteristic by using the words “as” or “like.”

Example – The teacher with a 100 students was as busy as a beaver.

4. Metaphor: A metaphor also is a comparison of two completely different objects, emphasizing a similar characteristic, but it is a much stronger comparison. It basically states that one thing “is” another.

Example – Philip, our team’s quarterback, is a shining star on the playing field.

5. Onomatopoeia: The function of onomatopoeic words is to represent sounds in speaking or writing.

Example – Inside the zoo exhibit, a poisonous snake from India hissed at us.

6. Oxymoron: Oxymoronic words are used together to describe something, but which are opposite in meaning.

Example – Because of his positive contributions to society, Stephen Douglas was called a “little-big” man.

7. Personification: A personification involves giving human qualities to non-human objects.

Example – The cunning fox spoke to the intruders in a threatening fashion to stress that they were not welcome.

8. Euphemism: A euphemism uses the substitution of a mild or inoffensive expression for a blunt or harsh one.

Example – He passed away to his final resting place. (Euphemism for “dead.”)

9. Idiomatic Expression or Idiom: The intended meaning of the expression is different from its literal meaning.

Example – We’re in hot water. (Intended meaning: We’re in trouble.)

Now it’s test time. Let’s see how you and your child can select the correct figure of speech presented in each of the following statements. The answers can be found at the end of this writing.

I almost jumped out of my skin.

“Hoot! Hoot!” cried the owl.

The chef is as neat as a pin.

The car gasped as it lurched up the hill.

You did well at the race track today. Do you still own your house?

The cashier is a gem.

This was a bittersweet lesson in life.

I must have done that a million times.

Don’t call Johnny a “klutz.” Say he has difficulty with motor control and coordination.

Without question, figurative language should never be taken on face value. As parents, you can help your child by teaching him or her to interpret the true meaning of figurative language – be it spoken or written.

(Figure of Speech Answers: 1. Idiom; 2. Onomatopoeia; 3. Simile; 4. Personification; 5. Irony; 6. Metaphor; 7. Oxymoron; 8. Hyperbole; 9. Euphemism.)

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Bill Welker, EdD, is an educator who has 40 years of experience as a K12 classroom teacher in both public and private schools. He was the recipient of the prestigious “Jasper N. Deahl Award” from West Virginia University.