Apcope

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Apcope

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Apcope is the omission of letters from the end of a word.

Example

Th' play's th' thing.

And when I ope my lips let no dog bark!

Par' o' th' ceilin's missin'.

Discussion

Dropping letters from the end of a word is particularly common in slang and lazy language, where casualness can be portrayed as a lack of concern, perhaps because the speaker has all they need and has a strong sense of control. In this way it is used by young men who posture for one another.

Apcope is often tied to particular times and cultures and is found in such as Cockney slang and Shakesperian English.

Clasification: Distortion, Omission