Metonymy
|
Metonymy is a trope used to substitute language in literature or speech.
The definition of Metonymy is a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part.
The substituted word is symbolic of the original word. The substituted word refers to a particular characteristic of the original noun; the writer would choose a part to represent the whole.
Metonymy is pronounced “mi-ton-uh-mee".
History and Use
History
Metonymy is derived from the Greek language, meaning “to change a name” or "altered name" according to Crowley and Hawhee [1].
The word metonymy came about in the 1560's[2].
There are other tropes that are similar to metonymy and are sometimes confused with each other. Such tropes are Synechdoche and Antonomasia. One way to distinguish these tropes from one another is this: metonymy is like an umbrella, a broader trope, whereas synechdoche and antonomasia are beneath the umbrella as sub-categories. When using synechdoche, one would substitute a whole for a part or vice versa (Example: "The hands waited outside." The hand is a partial substitute for the body of the worker it represents.) Antonomasia substitutes a person's name for a nickname or epithet (The King referring to Elvis Presley.) These tropes are both forms of metonymy.
Use
When would a write user metonymy? Repeating a person’s name, object or title consistently in a body of writing would be monotonous. Writers would use metonymy to add variety to a text, much like the way authors use different verbs of speech instead of writing “said” all of the time. By using metonymy, you would add layers to your text by showing your subject's prominent qualities. For example, if you wrote "Washington D.C. is full of suits" you would be implying that D.C. has many working people (specifically men).
This trope is not limited to writing alone; metonymy is used in every day speech as well. You can find metonymy in movies, television episodes, speeches and you can use it in conversations. "The Man is out to get me!" That phrase is heard quite often in all of the above mediums (and by The Man we really mean The Government or The Higher Power who controls us.)
Examples of Metonymy
The specific instances of metonymy are in red.
1. The Eagles played really well at their game last night.
Here we substituted a specific team name instead of a generic name. This works in a way that shows that the team is unified rather than it being a bunch of people.
2. The decision made by The White House today will resonate throughout the country.
The White House is only part of the government, but as it is a well-known symbol, it is an appropriate representation to use in place of "the American government".
3. The Great Bard wrote many plays that are still popular today.
This is a prime example of metonymy and antomonasia. The Bard is another name for the famous playwright William Shakespeare.
4."I like Nickelback."
When you use a specific band name, you using metonymy by meaning that you like their music. This is also an example of irony as no one really likes Nickelback.
5. That Crowley and Hawhee changed my life.
When using author's names instead of the book/poem/text they wrote, you are using metonymy.
6. Moscow decided....
When a capitol is mentioned in this way, metonymy is used. Moscow, the city, did not decide anything, rather, its government did.
References
- ↑ Crowley and Hawhee; Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students
- ↑ Etymology; http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=metonymy&searchmode=none
Working on This Entry
Amy O (Primary)
Brea (Secondary)
Amelia (Poster)
