Antiphrasis: Playing with Opposite Meanings
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Antiphrasis, a fascinating linguistic device, finds its roots in the Greek word "antiphrasis," which translates to "opposite word." This clever figure of speech involves using words or phrases in a way that is contrary to their literal meaning, often to create humor or irony. Essentially, it's the art of saying one thing while meaning another. Examples of Antiphrasis “Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money–and a woman–and I didn’t get the money and I didn’t get the woman. Pretty, isn’t it…” (Double Indemnity, by Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler). In this example, the speaker employs antiphrasis by describing a murder as "pretty," creating a stark irony in the statement. Example #1: Home to Harmony (By Philip Gulley) “Owen would just smile and eat his eggs, and maybe reach over and slap Ernie’s back and say, ‘That’s real funny, Ernie. You’re pretty clever.’ All the while thinking to himself, you moron. What do you know? … Which, of course, he couldn’t s…