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Week Five Overhead

This document defines and provides examples of various rhetorical devices used in persuasive language and arguments. Some of the devices discussed include euphemism, dysphemism, innuendo, loaded questions, stereotypes, rhetorical analogies, explanations, qualifiers, downplayers, sarcasm, hyperbole, and proof surrogates. These devices can be used to convey particular attitudes or feelings through word choice and phrasing.

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John Lukezic
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7 views

Week Five Overhead

This document defines and provides examples of various rhetorical devices used in persuasive language and arguments. Some of the devices discussed include euphemism, dysphemism, innuendo, loaded questions, stereotypes, rhetorical analogies, explanations, qualifiers, downplayers, sarcasm, hyperbole, and proof surrogates. These devices can be used to convey particular attitudes or feelings through word choice and phrasing.

Uploaded by

John Lukezic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rhetorical Devices

Euphemism: A neutral or positive


expression used instead of one that carries
negative associations.
-The government faces resistance from
an organized group of freedom
fighters.
Dysphemism: A negative expression used
instead of one that carries positive associations.
-The government is valiantly
combating resistance from terrorists.
Innuendo: A claim that maes an implicit
suggestion.
-!ince you"re debating #hether to vote
for me or !nodgrass$ you may #ant to
no# that I have never cheated on my
taxes.
Loaded Question:A %uestion that rests on
un#arranted or un&ustified assumptions.
-'ave you al#ays been impolite(
Stereotype: A thought or image about a
group of people based on little or no evidence.
-) #ouldn"t expect anything different
from a philosopher.
Rhetorical analogy: *omparing one thing
to another in order to convey a particular feeling
+either negative or positive,.
-This often comes in the form of a
simile or metaphor.
--oe is a robust stallion of a man.
-Theresa"s sense of humor is as dry as
the !ahara.
Rhetorical explanation: An explanation
that conveys a strong attitude or feeling because
of the diction used.
-.otre Dame lost to /!* this #eeend
because they played lie my little
brother"s pee#ee team.
easeler: A %ualifying term used to provide
the speaer #ith a #ay out of ob&ections.
-/sing our hair treatment may leave
your hair healthier and shinier0
Do!nplayer: A #ord used to mae
someone or something loo less significant.
-"Scare #uotes$ can sometimes turn
!ords into do!nplayers.
-) #ouldn"t invite -immy to drum for the
band1he"s barely been playing for t#o
years.
-) suppose -immy is a 2drummer"$ but #e
can do better than that.
%orse laugh&Sarcasm: The use of
ridicule to mae a claim or person seem
ob&ectionable.
-!ure$ .ascar is a real sport1anything that
inspires that much 3ud#eiser consumption
must be a feat of athletic pro#ess0
%yper'ole: An extravagant overstatement
used to convey a particular attitude.
-The ne# Radiohead record is the most
amazing album ever made.
-(ote: )ther rhetorical de*ices
+dysphemism, sarcasm, etc.- may
ma.e use of hyper'ole.
/roof Surrogate: An expression used to
suggest that there is evidence for a claim #ithout
actually citing any evidence.
-!cientists have no#n that aliens exist
for years no#.
-4veryone no#s that bottled #ater is
better for you than tap #ater.

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