figures-of-speech-irony

FIGURES OF SPEECH - IRONY

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

IRONY

Words are used to express the opposite of what is stated.

Irony is when there is a contrast between what is said and what is meant, or between appearance and reality.

Examples:

1. A good friend you are to give out all my secrets.

What is meant by 'good friend' is that the person addressed is 'not a friend at all' as he has given out all the speaker's secrets.

2. The Titanic was said to be unsinkable but sank on its first voyage.

(situational irony)

3. A traffic cop gets suspended for not paying his parking tickets.

(Situational irony)