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Paroemion

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Paroemion

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Paroemion is the excessive use of alliteration.

Example

The big, bad boy bent backwards by blindly bumping Brian.

Six shrouded saints sailed serenely by.

Now, now, you naughty noodle! I've never known new boys not be nice!

Discussion

Alliteration is the repetition of the initial letter in a sequence of words and is a very common method of setting up a pattern of repetition. It is very easy for the less experienced writer or speaker to latch onto this and, quite simply, over-do it. It is particularly noticeable when the author uses words that do not fit particularly well but which are chosen simply to fin into the ever-weakening structure.

Anything can be over-done and this is a useful warning with regard to all the other figures and devices of speech, that whilst judicious use is effective, a point comes where it turns to be unsubtle and crass.

Classification: Repetition