Sunday, July 24, 2011

Rhetoric - synonymy



synonymy [sɪˈnɒnəmi] n. also synonymia and scesis onomaton

1.) The use of several synonymous words or phrases to amplify or explain a term or subject, or to add force and clarity to a statement. Synonymia can be used for dramatic or comic effect (Garner's Modern American Usage 3rd Ed.).

Etymology: Adaptation of late Latin synōnymia, adopted from Greek συνωνυµία, from συνώνυµος, synonym (cf. French synonymie).

"He's not pining, he has passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! He has expired and gone to meet his maker! He's a stiff! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed him to the perch, he'd be pushing up the daisies! His metabolic processes are now history! He's off the twig! He's kicked the bucket, he's shuffled off his mortal coil, rung down the curtain and joined the bleeding choir invisible!" (The Parrot Sketch, John Cleese and Graham Chapman, 1969).

(De Triomf van de Dood, Pieter Bruegel, 1562)
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Hi all, just a quick reminder that today is the last day to submit your weekly challenge entries. See here for details. Also, thanks for all the encouragement about my thesis. (I was just joking about the nerdy Alexander drinking game, by the way, but it's nice to know that you guys consider me capable of it!)

24 comments:

Bart said...

first!

Michael Westside said...

Well, i've always wondered what synonymy is. +1

Wolle said...

He joined the bleeding choir invisible? Now that's strange.

D4 said...

I like this one. I do it a lot.

And it really does sound like a neat game to play. If I could, I would.

Drake Sigar said...

Yes! Finally this one is explained.

Unknown said...

You quoted Monty Python. You are, therefore, brilliant. And it is a perfect example of synonymy. Thanks for making my Monday morning just that much better!

poorfags said...

I'm new to this blog, this is a very good idea.

Once Upon A Time... said...

re your comment: everyone has his own experiences to share...maybe you can explain yourself more? you tend to hide yourself so much behind your comments! yeah, that michelle-comment was quite stupid....

jos xx

Diego Sousa said...

good work on your post :)

Anonymous said...

This is a great post! A wonderful tidbit. A truly interesting article! A thought worth sharing!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Monty Python ROCKS the English language!

dwizzt said...

thanks for this one. :)

themajessty said...

Nice word.

AND DAMN YOU. Now I can't look at Gyllenhaal without retching a little bit. You spoil sport. ):

Natasha said...

Great word, it just rolls off the tongue and the inclusion of the Dead Parrot sketch is brilliant. Re your comment, I know that some people use humour as a defense mechanism but some of the statuses my friends were posting were not humour based, but just nasty. xxx

Sick by Trend said...

Good work man! You always rocks!

xx

www.sickbytrend.com

Admin said...

Interesting word choice, but a great post!

Unknown said...

This one is good.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I love the Monty Python example, but since I have a childish sense of humor, that was to be expected.

I also giggle at De Triomf van de Dood. The Triumph of the Dude...?

Sub Radar (Mike) said...

Great example with the parrot sketch, actually i think that's the greatest example of synonymy ever.

MRanthrope said...

synonymy...one of my old high school teachers in a nutshell. Went on and on and on and....

Benjamin Linus said...

LOL awesome use of the example on that one.

Thank you for the explanation

Jennifer Fabulous said...

I like to say this word. It rolls off the tongue. :)

Shaw said...

Didn't know there was a word for that

Sweet Lily said...

Wonderful! Well done!

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