[Ads-l] Term for a figure of speech?

[Joel Berson]

Thanks, Garson.  Possibly, as the OED would say, my example is an "extended use".  I'll use it if no one comes up with something closer.


I particularly like the Merriam-Webster last sentence, which perhaps applies to me.

Joel


      From: ADSGarson O'Toole <adsgarsonotoole at GMAIL.COM>
 To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU 
 Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2017 11:59 AM
 Subject: Re: [ADS-L] Term for a figure of speech?
   
Perhaps you are searching for the word "paraprosdokian", but it does
not quite fit your example.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/internets-favorite-words/paraprosdokian

[Begin excerpt]
Definition: a figure of speech in which the end of the sentence is
surprising, or causes the reader to reinterpret the first part. . . .

The use of the paraprosdokian may be largely confined to playful
writers and humorists (Groucho Marx was particularly adept at
employing it). The use of the actual word, however, is more the
province of people who are interested in bizarre and obscure words.
[End excerpt]

Garson


On Thu, Apr 13, 2017 at 11:28 AM, Joel Berson <berson at att.net> wrote:
> I should have noted that the chapter is about beer (both strong and weak), not about water, in colonial Massachusetts.  So it's not irony.  Rather, it's surprise, puzzlement, amusement.
>
> Joel
>      From: Joel Berson <berson at ATT.NET>
>  To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
>  Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2017 9:29 AM
>  Subject: [ADS-L] Term for a figure of speech?
>
> What is the name of the figure of speech where a writer says something that is unexpectedly in contrast or conflict with its context?  For example, titling the first chapter of a book on beer "Water".
>
> Joel
>
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> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
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