Metonymy and the figure of speech used to replace one term with another, “borrowing” its meaning. Therefore, the substitution is usually made between terms that share characteristics and that are related in some way, so that the meaning between them is clear. Is it over there also occurs in visual language, especially with signs and signs.
The word “metonymy” comes from the Greek and means “beyond the name”, that is, a name whose meaning goes beyond. The replacement is not merely one word for another, it can also be a replacement for phrases with more than one word.
Read too: Hyperbole - figure of speech that expresses intensity and exaggeration
Uses of Metonymy
That dish it's too tasty!
In the example above, the use of the term “dish” is a reference to the food that was served on it, not the dish itself. Therefore, metonymy is a resource that uses figurative language, that is, a language that is not literal, but representative.
That one heavy cloud is making mariners worried.
In this other example, the "heavy cloud" is a reference to storm, which can cause navigation problems.
A plate with a design of cutlery represents a “restaurant”. Using the design of the cutlery instead of writing the word “restaurant” is a metonymic feature.
Types of Metonymy
The types of metonymy refer to compatibilities, types of relationships that we will see now.
Effect by cause and vice versa
When a term is replaced by its effect or cause:
Me I sweat a lotto get here in time, I'm glad I got inside.
In this example, instead of saying that ran a lot to get there on time, the person says he sweated a lot. The sweat was due to intense running, so it's a metonymy.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
Part by whole (synecdoche)
When a term is replaced by a component part:
admired the wings approaching the airstrip.
The wings represent the plane of which they are a part.
Continent (container) by content
When a term is replaced by the continent (container) in which it is found:
we drink the whole bottle to quench the thirst.
When it comes to drinking "the bottle", it is a reference to the liquid that was inside her.
object by place of origin
When a term is replaced by the place from which it originates:
I know a very good restaurant, I love the Japanese from there.
The term "Japanese" refers to japanese cuisine, specialty of the restaurant.
product by brand
When a term is replaced by a brand name:
you forgot to buy the cotton swab...
Nowadays, the term “swab” is used to talk about flexible rods. Cotton swab is actually a brand flexible rods, but it has become synonymous with the product itself, even if one uses another brand.
This recipe asks for condensed milk?
In this other case, the term "milk milk" refers to any condensed milk, not the brand specifically.
Concrete through abstract
When a concrete term is replaced by its abstract concept or vice versa:
we need to take care from childhood.
In this example, “childhood” is a term used to refer to the kids.
Work by author
When the term referring to the work (or a set of works) is replaced by its author and creator:
- You already read Clarice Lispector?
- they love to hear Chico Buarque.
In both examples, the authors' names do not refer to their person, but to their constructions: books of Clarice Lispector and songs from Chico Buarque.
See too: Irony - linguistic resource that consists in suggesting the opposite of what is stated
Metaphor and Metonymy
Metaphorand metonymy are similar figures as they establish a relationship between two terms. However, as we have seen, metonymy is linked to the substitution of terms with which it has a direct relationship through implications, that is, presupposition, consequence.
The metaphor, in turn, makes a comparison freer between terms, through analogies, that is, through equivalence relations, which are proposed in the discourse itself.
Let's look at some examples:
Now, there was a roof to live.
In the above, the term "ceiling" is integral part of the concept of "home" in which the person lives, being a direct reference to him. Thus, a metonymy.
Now, there was the key to your new address.
In this other case, the term “key” is not part of the concept of “home”. “Key” and “home” are two independent concepts. However, "key" and "new address" are used as symbol of the home: a key is not an integral part of the property (like a roof), but symbolizes the act of entering it, being a indirect reference home. So here we have a metaphor. To learn more about this figure of speech, go to: metaphor.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
the synecdoche is a kind of metonymy and substitutes between terms based on the relation of part to whole, which we have already seen before. In other words, there is a tendency to encompassing, inclusion or generalization of the whole. It is worth mentioning some types of synecdoche:
Raw material by object
when a term is replaced by raw material which is made of:
held that glass very carefully not to break.
The "glass" actually indicates the container that is made of glass.
Singular and plural
When using a singular term to represent several of that category (quite common when making generalizations):
the brazilian it's very welcoming.
In the statement above, through a generalization, it is stated that individuals who make up the Brazilian nation tend to be very welcoming.
Antonomasia
It is a type of synecdoche in which a name is replaced by another name that derives from a specific characteristic of a person.
O cripple was one of the most important Brazilian sculptors.
The statement above refers to Antônio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho due to one of his characteristics.
I went to the exhibition about the Suspense Master.
Film director Alfred Hitchcock is also known as the Master of Thriller for having directed many films in this genre and having been successful in the business.
I ended my relationship with that one Don Juan.
The term “Don Juan” is synonymous with “conqueror”, “womanish” and is used as an adjective for such people because of a fictional character with these characteristics called Don Juan.
See too: What is catachresis?
solved exercises
Question 1 - (Fepese) Analyze the sentences below:
1. Black shorts ran, bounced during the game.
2. The woman has earned her place!
3. Every wharf is longing for stone.
4. Microphones were relentless with new artists.
Check the alternative that corresponds correctly and sequentially to the figures of speech presented:
A) metaphor, metonymy, metaphor, metonymy.
B) metonymy, metonymy, metaphor, metaphor.
C) metonymy, metonymy, metaphor, metonymy.
D) metonymy, metaphor, metonymy, metaphor.
E) metaphor, metaphor, metonymy, metaphor.
Resolution
Alternative C. There is metonymy in the first, second and fourth enunciated by the use of terms to replace others with which they are directly related (the "shorts" of the "players", a "woman" representing several or all of the "women" and the "critiques" given through the "microphones", respectively). There is a metaphor in the third statement, as a comparison is made between terms that do not have a direct relationship (“pier”, “saudade” and “stone”).
Question 2 - (Itame) Read the text to answer the question.
The sick man repelled her, asking her to leave him alone; that he needed sleep. But he could not: after the Witch ran the second woman, and the third, and the fourth; and, after all, there has been a hard time going in and out of her house for a long time. Jerome lost his patience and was about to brutally protest against such an invasion, when, by the smell, he felt that Rita was also approaching.
(Aluísio Azevedo)
In the fragment “... in your house, going in and out of skirts”, which figure of speech predominates?
A) Catachresis
B) Hyperbate
C) Metaphor
D) Metonymy
Resolution
Alternative D. Skirts allude to women's clothing and, consequently, to women, since the entry and exit of “skirts” (specific meaning) refers to the entry and exit of “women” (general meaning).
By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher