Lit Terms 1
Two opposite or contradictory words placed side by side (ex: jumbo shrimp).
Oxymoron
An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.
Hyperbole
Writing that uses humor, exaggeration, or irony to criticize or point out flaws in society or people.
Satire
Reusing a word, phrase, or idea to make it stand out.
Repetition
Informal, everyday language or expressions used in conversation.
Colloquialism
A statement that seems impossible or contradictory but actually reveals a truth.
Paradox
A phrase that means something different from its literal meaning (ex: “break a leg”).
Idiom
Showing a preference or prejudice toward one side, idea, or group.
Bias
A reference to a well-known person, event, text, or idea.
Allusion
When the opposite of what is expected happens or is said.
Irony
Two statements or ideas that cannot both be true at the same time.
Contradiction
The reason an author writes a text (to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.).
Purpose
A joke that uses wordplay or multiple meanings of a word.
Pun
A humorous imitation of a serious work, style, or person.
Parody
An overused saying or idea that has lost its originality.
Cliché
Specialized language used by a specific group, job, or field.
Jargon
Showing how two or more things are different.
Contrast
A comparison between two things to show how they are alike in some way.
Analogy
A comparison using “like” or “as”.
Simile
Informal language used by a particular group, often trendy or casual.
Slang
When an object, color, or action represents a larger idea.
Symbolism
Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses.
Imagery
When the opposite of what is expected happens or is said.
Irony
Two opposite or contradictory words placed side by side (ex: jumbo shrimp).
Oxymoron
Two statements or ideas that cannot both be true at the same time.
Contradiction