chiasmus [kaɪˈæzməs] n.
1.) Rhetoric. The arrangement of adjoining parallel clauses or phrases with inverted word order. Normally, parallel clauses have an "a-b-a-b" arrangement. In chiasmus, the order becomes "a-b-b-a" (Garner's Modern American Usage 3rd Ed.).
Etymology: Modern Latin, adopted from Greek χιασµός crossing, diagonal arrangement, especially of clauses of a sentence, from χιάζ-ειν, to mark with or like a chī (χ).
"Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children" (2 Corinthians, Paul of Tarsus, ~55).
I actually may have to discuss this one in my thesis.
25 comments:
now this is a weird one indeed!
I'm going to practice more before I try a smart alec comment.
I actually knew this one back in 8th grade but had since forgotten.
very cool word...glad I never got that one in a spelling bee!
I'll have to update my essays with this word!
Very interesting! I like those kinds of parallels!
"Ask not what your COUNTRY can do for YOU, but what YOU can do for your COUNTRY."
interesting word!
sounds cool to say
I wonder if I should attempt to teach this to people or whether they will look at me strangely. This has my interest piqued.
We had this with Dutch a while back, but didn't know the English word for it, thanks!
Debra got an excellent example, I got it with that one
What is the subject of your thesis?
Interesting. I'll follow you to improve my english vocabulary.
Very cool.
nice.
In your thesis? good luck!!
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Hooray! A word I know.
From ABAB to ABBA. Set this to the tune of "Mamma Mia," and I'll never forget it.
Wow, great blog... followed. I'm always looking to expand my often lazy vocabulary.
Nice example. The way rhetoric has changed in useage is interesting.
i first heard about this word during Italian literature lectures....even in Maltese poems there are alot of chiasmus. What thesis are you doing? I'm doing an MA in poetry!
ps: no digital camera? you must be insane.
jos xx
Abba abba abba abba abba abba
i can't think of an example because abba is distracting me
I've heard this one used before! But I don't remember where. This is such a cool idea for a blog. Definitely following this one.
Pretty interesting, word play like this can make for some interesting story telling.
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