The Origin
of Similes
of Similes
THIS four-word simile (that’s used in the beginning of A Christmas Carol to describe Marley’s status) originated in medieval England and refers to a tool that was pounded so hard into something that it could no longer be used or repurposed.
What is DEAD AS A DOORNAIL?
THIS is a technique in which a writer or speaker repeats a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences.
EXAMPLE (from Maya Angelou’s Eulogy for Coretta Scott King):
She believed religiously in non-violent protest.
She believed it could heal a nation mired in a history of slavery and all its excesses.
She believed non-violent protest religiously could lift up a nation rife with racial prejudices and racial bias.
What is ANAPHORA?
In the famous 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (now known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”), THESE were the original names for Donner and Blitzen (two of Santa's reindeer). These names are the Dutch words for "thunder" and "lightning" and were changed to the German words Donner and Blitzen in 1939 (when Rudolph was also added as the 9th reindeer).
Who are Dunder and Blixem?
THIS three-word phrase is used to mean that “something, usually a TV show, has reached a point where it's clearly past its peak and starting a rapid decline in quality, often resorting to gimmicks or absurd plot devices (like Fonzie water-skiing over a shark on Happy Days) to maintain interest, but failing, signaling the beginning of the end or a permanent loss of relevance. It signifies the moment creators run out of ideas and quality, turning cheesy or desperate.”
What is JUMP THE SHARK?
GRADE 10: As a noun, this word refers to something trivial, petty, or unimportant. As an adjective, it means having little value.
What is PICAYUNE?
In the famous 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (now known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”), THESE were the original names for Donner and Blitzen (two of Santa's reindeer). These names are the Dutch words for "thunder" and "lightning" and were changed to the German words Donner and Blitzen in 1939 (when Rudolph was also added as the 9th reindeer).
Who are Dunder and Blixem?
HIS refers to a sound that’s dropped or omitted when spoken but is present in the written form.
EXAMPLE: saying “ICE TEA” instead of “ICED TEA”
EXAMPLE: saying “FAM-LY” instead of “FAM-I-LY”
What is ELISION?
THIS actor almost gave up his $20 million role in the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas because it took a painful 8 hours to assemble his makeup and costume! The actor had panic attacks over the makeup, and a man who trained the military on enduring torture was hired to help!
*Include the first and last name!
Who is Jim Carrey?
THIS same word can be used eight times in a row to create a grammatically correct sentence.
HINT: It’s an animal.
What is BUFFALO?
GRADE 10: This word refers to a legally authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the payment of a debt. It also refers to a waiting period set by an authority or a suspension of activity.
The menorah is a candle holder that is a symbol of Jewish people and Judaism. During Hanukkah, it holds THIS many candles (with one being lit each night of the holiday and one additional candle called the "shamash" that is used to light the others).
What is NINE?
GRADE 9: This word means a small amount or quantity of something. It refers to an inadequate or insufficient supply or a lack of something (such as the basic necessities for survival).
What is PAUCITY?
This dark Brothers Grimm fairy tale about a brother, a sister, and a witch they meet in the woods was the inspiration for gingerbread houses.
Who are Hansel and Gretel?
GRADE 9: This word relates to an ancient lawmaker who created Athens’ first legal code. His laws were known for their severity. In general, it’s used to refer to policies, laws, or punishments that are cruel, severe, and harsh.
What is Draconian?
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” features THIS Christmas song composed especially for the show, with lyrics written on the back of an envelope in ten minutes by the show’s producer.
What is “Christmas Time is Here”?