Editor's Corner

Good morning, fellow verbivores!

I was just taking a breather from JH Connect slide shows, when I stumbled on something Merriam-Webster did for fun. They published names for different rhetorical devices, then asking people to send in examples of the terms as exemplified in music.

I’ve picked out a term that I didn’t recognize to discuss for today: zeugma.

Here is a definition of zeugma from another dictionary site, Your Dictionary:

In grammatical terms, a zeugma is when a verb or adjective modifies two or more nouns to form one idea. Essentially, one word is applied to two or more other words in different ways.

What are some examples? So glad you asked! The first few are from the Merriam–Webster contest; they are songs you might know:

"You held your breath and the door for me"
— Alanis Morissette, "Head Over Feet"

"I’m a thousand miles from anywhere
My pocketbook and my heart both just got stolen"
— Jewel, "Down So Long"

“She blew my nose and then she blew my mind”
— The Rolling Stones, "Honky Tonk Women"

And then from Your Dictionary, I have a list of zeugma examples, which are statements. I thought they were clever, funny, or both. Enjoy!

• All over Ireland, the farmers grew potatoes, barley, and bored.
• He fished for trout and compliments.
• He opened his mind and his wallet every time he went out with her.
• She firmly held her tongue and her hand.
• On our first date, I held my breath and the car door for her.
• When he came to pick me up, I opened my door and my heart to him.
• The disgruntled worker took his belongings and his leave.
• She kicked that bad habit and soon after the bucket.
• The student observed the specimen with a microscope and some disgust.
• The storm sank my boat and my dreams.
• You are free to execute your laws and your citizens as you see fit. (Star Trek: Next Generation)

Overly dramatic? Maybe, but that is why I find them amusing! I hope you have an enjoyable day.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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