The misuse of words for humorous effect, named after Mrs Malaprop in R. B. Sheridan’s The Rivals (1775).
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Glossary
We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding.
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Malapropism
Manuscript
The original typed or handwritten text of the author's work that is submitted to the publisher.
Metanoia
An exaggerated or extreme statement lessened or undermined by a successive statement which suggests a changed mind or a calmed emotion.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Metaphor
Where one thing is said to be another to invite comparison or emphasise a similarity.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Metonymy
A recognisable or inherent aspect of a thing used to represent the thing itself, for example a businessman being referred to as a ‘suit’, the monarchy as the Crown, or newspapers collectively as the Press. nemesis The embodiment of a punishment often presented as an antagonist or enemy.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021