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Tmesis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Tmesis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Tmesis is the insertion of one word into another.

Example

Abso-bloody-lutely stupid!

Any-old-where you find it.

Be you ware of the dangers.

Discussion

The breaking up of the word in tmesis draws attention to it by adding emphasis. It makes the reader slow down and piece together the divided word and so think more about it. The inserted word is hence often a swear word, to add visible and unavoidable emotion.

Tmesis can also be used for comic effect, with the exaggeration over-done. Exaggeration is often used in comedy in this way. Swearing is also used in comedy to shock and destabilize.

The key part of tmesis is splitting of the word and insertion of another word. It does not always have to have strong emphasis, such as 'be you ware' instead of 'you beware'. However, the device, by its very use, still draws attention.

The word 'tmesis' is sometimes is used to indicate 'skipping text'.

Tmesis comes from the Greek word for 'cutting'.

Classification: Distortion, Attention

See also

Attention principle

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

Please help and share:

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

– About
– Guest Articles
– Blog!
– Books
– Changes
– Contact
– Guestbook
– Quotes
– Students
– Webmasters

| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links |

© Changing Works 2002-
Massive Content — Maximum Speed