Figurative language versus literal language
Jordan Clemons
Critical Thinking 210
Dr. McGeehan
11/01/2013

Abstract Language and the way it is used today can be misconstrued, misused, often leading to the misjudgment of someone or something’s character. When we factor in popular slang, slang abbreviations, and other choice words, it seems fairly easy to be judgmental of certain people who use this variety of language on a daily basis. Older words that have been “Grandfathered” into the English language are becoming more obsolete by the minute, and the fact that they are not being used commonly makes an argument for English scholars of old in comparison to these modern day English teachers. This paper will explore ten words that are not commonly used in today’s conversations or taught in today’s English classes.
Figurative language versus literal language Idiom – a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.

An idiom can be confused for a metaphor, if used in certain ways. I watch a lot of sports and one idiom that is commonly in most sports is that a certain player or team is playing with a “chip on their shoulders”. Playing with a chip on your shoulder, means that you are trying to make a statement with your play, it also means that you think that you know a lot. Idioms are used to enhance and make whatever the topic of discussion is more colorful and relatable. Idioms can be misconstrued when they are used in the wrong text. Someone can easily think that playing with a “chip on your shoulders” can mean that a certain player or team is playing with attitude or aggression or in some other type of wrong manner.

Analogy – a comparison between two things to show similarity in some respect. An analogy is another way to get a point