Published In
Metaphor and Symbol
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
4-1-2008
Subjects
Metaphor, Plays on words, Idioms, Figures of speech
Abstract
In this essay we discuss a class of apparently metaphorical idioms, exemplified by "fine as frog's hair," that do not afford any obvious interpretation, and appear to have originated, at least in part, in language play. We review recent trends in both play theory and metaphor theory, and show that a playful approach to language is often an important element in the use and understanding of metaphors (and idioms generally), even when metaphors can be readily interpreted by means of a vehicle-to-topic mapping. Based on this evidence we call for a more deliberate inclusion of language play in metaphor theory and analysis.
DOI
10.1080/10926480801944251
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8713
Citation Details
Ritchie, L. David and Dyehouse, Valrie, "Hair of the Frog and other Empty Metaphors: The Play Element in Figurative Language" (2008). Communication Faculty Publications and Presentations. Paper 8. http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8713
Description
This is the Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Metaphor and Symbol, Vol. 23, Issue 2, 2008, copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10926480801944251