Lecture 4 Lexico-synatctical stylistic devices

Periphrasis 
originates from a Greek word 
periphrazein
which means ‘talking 
around’. It is a stylistic device that can be defined as the use of excessive and longer 
words to convey a meaning which could have been conveyed with a shorter 
expression or in a few words. It is an indirect or roundabout way of writing about 
things.
 
“
I understand you are poor, and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy, 
my son, who has been so prematurely deprived of what can never be replaced.”
(Charles Dickens) 
 
Periphrases are divided into: 
1
. Logical
- based on inherent properties of a thing. 
Instrument of destruction 
- pistol
, the object of administration - 
love. 
2. 
Figurative 
- based on imagery: metaphor, metonymy. 
To tie a knot - to get married; in disgrace of fortune - bad luck. 
3.Euphemistic periphrases 
are used to avoid some unpleasant things, or taboo 
things. 
To pass away - to die. 
Functions of periphrasis. From the above examples of periphrasis, one could surmise 
that this literary device is used to embellish sentences by creating splendid effects to 
draw the readers’ attention. These periphrasis examples have also shown that the use 
of this literary device lends poetic flavor to prose. Periphrasis is a feature of 
analytical language that tends to shun inflection. 
Euphemism
originates from a Greek word 
euphemeo 
which means ‘well 
speaking, politely speaking’. It refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace 
words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest something 
unpleasant. Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life.
You are becoming a little thin on top (bald). 
Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant). 
He is always tired and emotional (drunk). 

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We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people. 
He is a special child (disabled or retarded). 
In literature euphemism is used to soften unpleasant ideas and call up a 
definite synonym in the mind of the reader.
1.
“
They think wehave come by this horse in some dishonest manner.”
(Charles 
Dickens) 
(They think they have stolen it) 
2.
 
“In private I should merely call him a liar. In the Press you should use the words: