Figurative Language
Alliteration the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together (lay down the law)
Hyperbole extreme exaggeration made for effect
(I cried a million tears.)
Idiom an expression that means something different than its literal meaning
(It’s raining cats and dogs.)
Imagery the use of vivid language/description to create pictures in the reader’s mind
(“The clouds changed from gray to pink, and the mist was touched with gold.”)
Metaphor a comparison between two unlike things in which one becomes the other; usually uses a “to be” verb
(“His eyes were blue, blazing ice, cold with a hatred of the whole world.”)
Personification giving human feelings, thoughts or attitudes to non-living, inanimate objects
(“His dancing gray eyes…”)
Onomatopoeia words that imitate the sounds they represent
(“I tried to swallow a groan and wished wildly for my brother.”)
Simile a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”
(“He flexed his muscles so that they bulged like baseballs.”)
Figurative Language in Lyrics
Directions: Complete the chart below by matching the lines from each song with one of the terms listed. Be sure to explain why each lyric uses the term you list.
Simile Metaphor Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Personification
Figurative Language / Song Lyric / Reason“Bang, bang, bang on the door, baby!”
“This town is colder now; I think it’s sick of us.”
“Baby, you’re a firework.”
“Her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they’re not shining.”
“You and me baby, we’re stuck like glue.”
“And the shadow of the day will embrace the world today.”
“Tic Toc on the clock, but the party don’t stop”
“You’ve got a smile that takes me to another planet.”
“You were Romeo. I was a Scarlet Letter.”
“And I’m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket.”