What is a metonymy?
A metonymy is a figure of speech. It references the name of something that is closely related to a concept, or a phrase closely related in meaning. It is derived from the Greek "metōnymía", "a change of name". Some examples of a metonymy are;
• "Crown" for "royalty"
• “The big house” refers to “prison”
• “Stuffed shirts” for “people in positions of authority”
• “Hollywood” for “entertainment industry”
• “Red letter day” for “an important day”
More Info:
www.literarydevices.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
29 Comments
Howard Groopman
"nym" having an association with words made this not too difficult.
Coral Harvey
Took a guess. I knew it wasn't a metronome but figured it was something akin used to keep time.
It's an alternative word for an article or an allusion to that item
earlepg
This happened a few months ago. I answered the first question, but I wasn't allowed to go on, and this is the BONUS set. Just as before, I WAS ROBBED!
earlepg
I looked at the first option, but metonymy is not metronome, and options 2 and 3 didn't look good either.
jaijam
Jon Woolery, you're "big on grammar"? I don't think so.
Louise C.
Great trivia and the explanation is very clear.
ninakamwene
Lucky guess to an educational trivia. I am now smarter. Thank you.
Leanna Greenbush
No idea. Guessed wrong.
Claire Mitchell
Thanks for the info. Appreciated.
Catherine Fedoruk
Great explanation! Thank you!
Wendy Wilkins Valdez
So basically, synonyms.
Leslie Clive Bedford
I would say that the “The Big House’’ refers to the house that the Lord of the Manor,Squire or the important person of the village,town or city lived in and the local community worked in or relied on for employment.
Rob Farr
A great trivia question … with a clear, informative explanation
Martha Prefontaine
Got it wrong, but learned something.
Jon Woolery
I’m big on grammar, spelling, diction, and writing in general, but I never heard the term “metonymy.” I suspect I won’t remember the word, but at least I’ll know there’s a word out there for situations such as “the big house” standing in for “prison.”