How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Ecphonesis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Ecphonesis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Ecphonesis is an exclamation that is used for emphasis and grabbing attention.

Example

Lo! The angels are with us.

Look out!! I'm going to be down your street tonight.

Stupid! Stupid! Are you going to associate with someone that stupid??

Discussion

Making a sudden sound is a simple way of grabbing attention, and such exclamation is commonly used method in language and speech, where there are even special words for this purpose.

Exclamation words largely by the contrast principle, where there may be a contrast between such as the sound volume of the exclamation vs. prior quiet, or the shocking quality of words used vs. expected politeness.

Ecphonesis is also called Ecphonema.

Classification: Attention