Pataphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor > Pataphor

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

The pataphor is an extreme form of metaphor, taking the principle to its limit, where the basic metaphor is typically not mentioned but extensions to it are used without reference.

Example

Panting hard, he hand-braked the corner, power-sliding into the doorway. [running as driving]

Noisy twinkling in the night, the shares blew hypnotic shards of brilliance down on the hopeful investors. [Share price movement as a sky-rocket firework]

Discussion

Metaphor is used to bring novelty, interest and elucidation to writing and speech. In the extreme form, pataphors may bring greater novelty and perhaps interest, though potentially at the price of clarity and broad understanding.

The pataphor was first described by author Pablo Lopez , based on Alfred Jarry's "science" of 'pataphysics'.