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In:The Discourse of Indirectness: Cues, voices and functions
Edited by Zohar Livnat, Pnina Shukrun-Nagar and Galia Hirsch
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 316] 2020
► pp. 39–58

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“My refrigerator is as much in the dark as I am”

Metaphorical irony in context

 | Bar-Ilan University
Published online: 29 October 2020
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https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.316.02liv
This paper focuses on a particular type of metaphorical irony in which both readings of a metaphor have to be processed in order to grasp the speaker’s intention. Two ways in which the text encourages retention of both readings of metaphorical expressions are discussed: (1) Metaphorical expressions that refer to two different referents, whose comparison by the author requires keeping both readings in mind; (2) Two kinds of contextual clues assigned to a single referent or topic.
The examples are amusingly sophisticated, but at the same time express a critical stance on controversial issues. The metaphorical irony enhances the critical, evaluative aspect of the text as it contributes to its entertaining effect.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Ruling out or retaining the literal meaning
  • 3.Analyzing metaphorical irony
    • 3.1Comparing two referents
    • 3.2One referent, double context
  • 4.Conclusions
  • Note
  • References
References (65)
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