Acyron

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Acyron

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Acyron is where a word is used which is opposite to the normal word that should be applied.

Example

I am as sad as a sandboy.
(the actual saying is 'happy as a sandboy' - ie. the speaker is not sad)

Blind am I to your face,
Beauty gone to God's disgrace.
Nothing there but light and fire,
Obscuring all but my desire.

Discussion

Although acyron may be used unintentionally, the prime reason for its use is in highlighting what is really intended by means of the contrast principle.

When you see acyron, you may be initially confused, which grabs your attention and causes you to pause and reflect on the real meaning. Acyron is in this way popular with poets.

Classification: Reversal, Meaning