Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rhetorical Devices

We use many rhetorical devices in our everyday communication.  One rhetorical device that I have used recently is euphemism.  Euphemism is defined as the replacement of a term that has a negative association by a neutral or positive term.  I was downtown the other night and some guy was super wasted and being a fool.  The euphemism that was used was I said that he was the life of the party instead of saying that he is a drunk or embarrasing.  Another rhetorical device that I have used recently is sarcasm.  Sarcasm is defined as the use of ridicule, insults, taunting, and/or caustic irony.  The example of sarcasm is used was when I described the A's baseball team and called them a minor league team to describe their poor play and players.

1 comment:

  1. Hi SJB77,
    As a college student and baseball fan, I can relate completely with what your describing. As an athlete, I choose not to drink. Therefore, I witness many belligerent individuals and friends at various outings. As described, they are the "life of the party" when alcohol enters their system. In addition, as a die hard dodger fan I agree that the A's and the Giants can be described as minor league teams. Overall, I felt your post was very thorough and your claims were supported well. Your thoughts and examples reminded me how often I use euphemism and sarcasm daily.
    Good job
    -g23

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