Improper Use of Metaphor...

Good morning to all.

I have been too serious of late.  This blog entry is more tongue-in-cheek.

You are all aware of my dislike of the misuse of words.  I poked fun at it in a previous blog entry: Apologies to My Unpaid Editors... 

It has been almost five years since I wrote that entry.  Sadly, little has changed.  My least favourite word is present in that entry, and is still a problem today.  The word is 'literally.'

In general, adverbs are often not necessary.  The strength of the word on its own should be sufficient to eliminate the need for an adverb.  Adverbs can be useful if a homework assignment requires a certain number of words.  Beyond that, they are usually best left alone.

The lack of necessity should be sufficient to remove the word 'literally' from daily use.  However, and alas, it is far worse than the use of an unnecessary word.  It is also the improper use of a word.

A couple of definitions are in order.

According to Merriam-Webster:

Simile - a comparison of two unlike things that is often introduced by 'like' or 'as.'

Example: he was like the fly on Aesop's chariot crying oh what a dust do I raise.

Metaphor: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.

Example: I cannot match the senator from Massachusetts in decibels or Jezebels.

*Please note that the use of 'literally' in the definition of metaphor is Merriam-Webster's.  Also, the late Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia once used the first piece from Aesop's fables in reference to another senator.  The late Jesse Helms of North Carolina used the metaphor of Jezebel (check your Bible) in reference to the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

I point this out because of what I believe to be the questionable use of metaphor as a literal term.  

Please note the following quotation:

"I am literally going to explode."

I hear this all too often.  I guess it is technically possible.  Still, even Calvin has challenges with it:

 Calvin and Hobbes

Notwithstanding the comic genius of Bill Waterson in the comic above, human beings likely do not explode, at least not in the literal sense.  It is okay.  To use explosion as metaphor is quite appropriate.  Furthermore, the use of an adverb to modify a metaphor is also appropriate.  However, when the adverb forces the metaphor out of its use as a literary device, there is a problem.  Is a person literally going to explode?  Okay.  Clear the area and get a mop.  

It is probably easier to get rid of the adverb.

Enjoy your day.

R/SCG