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DIRECTORY OF LOGOPHILE LIBRARY
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About | New| Feedback | Help | Home | Sitemaps
Reference Corner: helpful guide to help you learn more about language and words
DIRECTORY OF LOGOPHILE LIBRARY
words are categorized by chapters in individual lists or features. Features are by topic & present extensive vocabulary, research, articles & narratives.
Home Page ~ Word List Index ~ Featured Words
Literary, Language, Writing and Words
Obscure, Rare, Unusual and Obsolete
Creative, Deep, Intellectual and Profound
Dark, Melancholic, Mystical and Risqué
The Universe and World We Live In
The Exotic Languages of the World
DISCOVER MORE WORDS
This Site is Part of a Series of Beautiful Words
Books - Blogs - Guides - Narratives ~ Manuals
VOCABULARY GUIDES | VIEW ALL MY GUIDES
SEARCH THIS SITE FOR WORDS
Search site below or use Advanced Search to search the site & content in my vocabulary books.
RHETORICAL RHAPSODY HOME
Download Rhapsody as a Word Guide
DIRECTORY OF DEVICES
Dramatic Imagery and Expressive Emphasis
Tale of Context and Meaning
Slapstick Comedy of Humor and Wit
The Creative Use of Language
Rhetorical Repetition for Emphasis
Relating to the Word Relations
The Art of a Persuasive Argument
GLOSSARIES OF RHETORIC
Factoring in the Figures of Speech
Methods to Heighten Dramatic Effect
Glossary of Rhetorical Terms
See Also: Literary Devices | Poetic Devices
THE RHAPSODY IS A SPECIAL FEATURE OF
TOUCH OF THE INTELLECT
Knowledge - Profound - Speech ~ Grammar
Creativity ~ Technology - Academics
Download Rhapsody as a Word Guide
DIRECTORY OF DEVICES
Dramatic Imagery and Expressive Emphasis
Tale of Context and Meaning
Slapstick Comedy of Humor and Wit
The Creative Use of Language
Rhetorical Repetition for Emphasis
Relating to the Word Relations
The Art of a Persuasive Argument
GLOSSARIES OF RHETORIC
Factoring in the Figures of Speech
Methods to Heighten Dramatic Effect
Glossary of Rhetorical Terms
See Also: Literary Devices | Poetic Devices
THE RHAPSODY IS A SPECIAL FEATURE OF
TOUCH OF THE INTELLECT
Knowledge - Profound - Speech ~ Grammar
Creativity ~ Technology - Academics
THE ART OF HUMOR
Rhetorical devices can be seen as comedic devices by the integration of humor in a narrative, story or speech. Humor is a powerful persuasion because it arouses interest, sustains attention, helps the audience connect to the content or characters, and emphasizes the points of the message.
The word humor derives from the humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks, which taught that the balance of fluids in the human body, known as humours (Latin: humor, "body fluid"), controlled human health and emotion.
Humor can be categorized in three ways:
Relief theory - maintains that laughter is a homeostatic mechanism by which psychological tension is reduced. Humor may thus for example serve to facilitate relief of the tension caused by one's fears.
Superiority theory - believes that audiences will laugh about the misfortunes of others (known as schadenfreude), because these misfortunes assert the person's superiority on the background of shortcomings of others. The feeling of superiority is typically based either on the inadequacies of group, or a deviation from the norm within society.
Incongruity theory - states that humor is perceived at the moment of realization of incongruity between a concept involved in a certain situation and the real objects thought to be in some relation to the concept. Since the main point of the theory is not the incongruity per se, but its realization and resolution (i.e., putting the objects in question into the real relation), it is often called the incongruity-resolution theory.
Humor is the end product and not the device itself. There are several types of devices that use humor:
The word humor derives from the humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks, which taught that the balance of fluids in the human body, known as humours (Latin: humor, "body fluid"), controlled human health and emotion.
Humor can be categorized in three ways:
Relief theory - maintains that laughter is a homeostatic mechanism by which psychological tension is reduced. Humor may thus for example serve to facilitate relief of the tension caused by one's fears.
Superiority theory - believes that audiences will laugh about the misfortunes of others (known as schadenfreude), because these misfortunes assert the person's superiority on the background of shortcomings of others. The feeling of superiority is typically based either on the inadequacies of group, or a deviation from the norm within society.
Incongruity theory - states that humor is perceived at the moment of realization of incongruity between a concept involved in a certain situation and the real objects thought to be in some relation to the concept. Since the main point of the theory is not the incongruity per se, but its realization and resolution (i.e., putting the objects in question into the real relation), it is often called the incongruity-resolution theory.
Humor is the end product and not the device itself. There are several types of devices that use humor:
A BARREL OF RHETORICAL LAUGHS
Antiphrasis - uses a word with an opposite meaning for ironic or humorous effect. "We named our chihuahua Goliath" is an example because a chihuahua is a very small dog and Goliath is a giant warrior from the famous Bible story.
Double entendre - a spoken phrase that can be understood in either of two ways. The first, literal meaning is an innocent one, while the second, figurative meaning is often ironic or risqué and requires the audience to have some additional knowledge to understand the joke.
Hyperbole - extreme, extravagant, and impossible exaggeration. The function of any type of exaggeration is to lay emphasis and stress on the given idea, action, feature, or feeling by overstating it. Sometimes, writers use it sarcastically or ironically to introduce humor to the meaning.
Incongruity - the juxtaposition of two not-quite-related ideas; something that is out of harmony with expectations. This leads to surprise and maybe a change in beliefs.
Irony - when a speaker speaks something contradictory to what he intends to say. It is an intentional product of the speaker, and is contradictory to his/her emotions and actions. It occurs when a character uses a statement with underlying meanings that contrast with its literal meaning. Writers rely on the audience’s intelligence for discerning the hidden meanings they intend to convey. They also use ironic similes to convey exactly the opposite of what they intend to say, such as “soft as concrete.” In dramatic irony, the reader knows something the character does not.
Juxtaposition is a technique which causes the audience to compare two elements simply because they are placed next to each other. When the comparison is unexpected, it creates irony. In some cases, this can be created through grammatical ambiguity. For example, success and failure.
Pun - a device known as a “play on words.” Puns involve words with similar or identical sounds but with different meanings. Their play on words also relies on a word or phrase having more than one meaning. Puns are generally intended to be humorous, but they are not jokes. Puns are figures of speech that rely on a form of word play, whereas jokes are narrative structures intended to create humor and laughter. Jokes typically rely on comedic rhythm and timing. Puns, however, rely on word play and meanings.
Repetition - repetitive use of language is often used in combination with other devices to reinforce meaning. The "callback" in comedy writing—in which a statement or theme is recalled as the punchline or close of a scene—is a classic example of the tension and release that are possible using repetition.
Sarcasm - can generally take the form of an ironic remark, rooted in humor, and intended to mock or satirize something. Speakers using sarcasm are saying something different than what they actually mean. As a device, sarcasm can convey a writer and/or character’s true feelings of frustration, anger, and even derision, though veiled by the presence of humor and wording that is inconsistent with what is intended.
Satire - uses a serious tone to discuss a ridiculous subject, that type of humor is satire. You’ll find many examples of satire in literature. This technique is popular with everyone from Shakespeare to Douglas Adams.
Slapstick - generally the humor that comes from exaggerated physical activity exceeding the boundaries of normal physical comedy. Specifically, the name "slapstick" is a club-like object composed of two wooden slats that when used to “smack” produce an audible effect. In a stage production, this form can amplify a message - whatever it may be. Shakespeare incorporated physical effects into his comedies, especially in The Comedy of Errors.
Surprise - can represent the difference between expectations and reality or the gap between assumptions and expectations. Clever use of language integrated in a narrative with the right literary devices can drive anticipation. And when amplified with the unexpected, an argument can pack a more persuasive punch in a closing with a shift in thoughts or beliefs.
Understatement - used to underemphasize a point normally expected to be more significant. It tends to get most of its humor through ironic context, with a famous example being the scene in which the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail has each of his limbs cut off but says, “It’s just a flesh wound!”
Wit - comes from the old English term meaning “to know.” It is a device that creates clever expressions of thought or meaning. An inferior form of wit lies in the use of word play, oxymorons, puns, and paradoxes, whereas higher wit appears in the use of conceits, metaphors, and arguments. By intelligent wit, writers mock the social foibles and follies of society; often using paradoxical expressions, which appear to appreciate those foibles, but, in fact, they are disparaging.
Wordplay - a type of humor and a literary technique focused on word usage, with the goal of creating humor. Examples of word play include puns, phonetic mix-ups such as spoonerisms, obscure words and meanings, oddly formed msentences, double entendres, Tom Swifties, shaggy dog jokes, and descriptive character names.
POTENTIAL RED FLAGS
Aggressive humor - a style of humor that is potentially detrimental towards others. This type of humor is characterized by the use of sarcasm, put-downs, teasing, criticism, ridicule, and other types of humor used at the expense of others. Aggressive humor generally diminishes the rhetorical impact, especially if the writing involves hateful bias like racism and sexism.
Self-defeating humor - the intent of this form is to appeal to the emotions of the audience using self-disparaging language. The speaker, however, may laugh along or not. This style of humor needs to be careful in it’s design. It can either persuade the audience to trust the speaker by way of empathy or relatability, or it can result in distrust or disgust which destroys credibility.
Stereotypes - when an exaggerated and oversimplified version of a person or group of people is used to apply a humorous effect.
The humorous intention of the message stressed with exaggeration should diminish any negative implications.
Taboo - socially frowned upon topics are ripe for humor. Sex, death, religion, bodily functions—anything which makes people feel uncomfortable can be rendered humorous when a speaker disarm the controversial by transforming into a relatable truth or recognition,
Double entendre - a spoken phrase that can be understood in either of two ways. The first, literal meaning is an innocent one, while the second, figurative meaning is often ironic or risqué and requires the audience to have some additional knowledge to understand the joke.
Hyperbole - extreme, extravagant, and impossible exaggeration. The function of any type of exaggeration is to lay emphasis and stress on the given idea, action, feature, or feeling by overstating it. Sometimes, writers use it sarcastically or ironically to introduce humor to the meaning.
Incongruity - the juxtaposition of two not-quite-related ideas; something that is out of harmony with expectations. This leads to surprise and maybe a change in beliefs.
Irony - when a speaker speaks something contradictory to what he intends to say. It is an intentional product of the speaker, and is contradictory to his/her emotions and actions. It occurs when a character uses a statement with underlying meanings that contrast with its literal meaning. Writers rely on the audience’s intelligence for discerning the hidden meanings they intend to convey. They also use ironic similes to convey exactly the opposite of what they intend to say, such as “soft as concrete.” In dramatic irony, the reader knows something the character does not.
Juxtaposition is a technique which causes the audience to compare two elements simply because they are placed next to each other. When the comparison is unexpected, it creates irony. In some cases, this can be created through grammatical ambiguity. For example, success and failure.
Pun - a device known as a “play on words.” Puns involve words with similar or identical sounds but with different meanings. Their play on words also relies on a word or phrase having more than one meaning. Puns are generally intended to be humorous, but they are not jokes. Puns are figures of speech that rely on a form of word play, whereas jokes are narrative structures intended to create humor and laughter. Jokes typically rely on comedic rhythm and timing. Puns, however, rely on word play and meanings.
Repetition - repetitive use of language is often used in combination with other devices to reinforce meaning. The "callback" in comedy writing—in which a statement or theme is recalled as the punchline or close of a scene—is a classic example of the tension and release that are possible using repetition.
Sarcasm - can generally take the form of an ironic remark, rooted in humor, and intended to mock or satirize something. Speakers using sarcasm are saying something different than what they actually mean. As a device, sarcasm can convey a writer and/or character’s true feelings of frustration, anger, and even derision, though veiled by the presence of humor and wording that is inconsistent with what is intended.
Satire - uses a serious tone to discuss a ridiculous subject, that type of humor is satire. You’ll find many examples of satire in literature. This technique is popular with everyone from Shakespeare to Douglas Adams.
Slapstick - generally the humor that comes from exaggerated physical activity exceeding the boundaries of normal physical comedy. Specifically, the name "slapstick" is a club-like object composed of two wooden slats that when used to “smack” produce an audible effect. In a stage production, this form can amplify a message - whatever it may be. Shakespeare incorporated physical effects into his comedies, especially in The Comedy of Errors.
Surprise - can represent the difference between expectations and reality or the gap between assumptions and expectations. Clever use of language integrated in a narrative with the right literary devices can drive anticipation. And when amplified with the unexpected, an argument can pack a more persuasive punch in a closing with a shift in thoughts or beliefs.
Understatement - used to underemphasize a point normally expected to be more significant. It tends to get most of its humor through ironic context, with a famous example being the scene in which the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail has each of his limbs cut off but says, “It’s just a flesh wound!”
Wit - comes from the old English term meaning “to know.” It is a device that creates clever expressions of thought or meaning. An inferior form of wit lies in the use of word play, oxymorons, puns, and paradoxes, whereas higher wit appears in the use of conceits, metaphors, and arguments. By intelligent wit, writers mock the social foibles and follies of society; often using paradoxical expressions, which appear to appreciate those foibles, but, in fact, they are disparaging.
Wordplay - a type of humor and a literary technique focused on word usage, with the goal of creating humor. Examples of word play include puns, phonetic mix-ups such as spoonerisms, obscure words and meanings, oddly formed msentences, double entendres, Tom Swifties, shaggy dog jokes, and descriptive character names.
POTENTIAL RED FLAGS
Aggressive humor - a style of humor that is potentially detrimental towards others. This type of humor is characterized by the use of sarcasm, put-downs, teasing, criticism, ridicule, and other types of humor used at the expense of others. Aggressive humor generally diminishes the rhetorical impact, especially if the writing involves hateful bias like racism and sexism.
Self-defeating humor - the intent of this form is to appeal to the emotions of the audience using self-disparaging language. The speaker, however, may laugh along or not. This style of humor needs to be careful in it’s design. It can either persuade the audience to trust the speaker by way of empathy or relatability, or it can result in distrust or disgust which destroys credibility.
Stereotypes - when an exaggerated and oversimplified version of a person or group of people is used to apply a humorous effect.
The humorous intention of the message stressed with exaggeration should diminish any negative implications.
Taboo - socially frowned upon topics are ripe for humor. Sex, death, religion, bodily functions—anything which makes people feel uncomfortable can be rendered humorous when a speaker disarm the controversial by transforming into a relatable truth or recognition,
