L’expressivité humoristique des formules gnomiques et des constructions figées comparatives
The humorous expressiveness of gnomic formulas and fixed comparative constructions

Author(s): Mihaela Lupu
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Editura Junimea
Keywords: expressiveness; irony; antiphrasis; gnomic phrase; fixed simile; rhetorical figures / figures of speech;
Summary/Abstract: In this paper, we intend to analyse the expressiveness of a certain number of French fixed similes and gnomic utterances by focusing especially on the rhetorical figures / figures of speech that they contain (among which irony and antiphrasis). Such phrases, which encapsulate people’s centuries-long wisdom, express – sometimes humorously – conclusions about the human character and offer advice in an explicit or implicit way. The stock of French paremiology provides many examples of gnomic phrases that can serve as a guide in human relationships. A number of fixed similes have been added to this stock, some of which can be counted among gnomic utterances on account of their endurance, frequent use, purpose and / or colourful content. These various types of phrases are critical mirrors in which we can recognize our own vices, quirks, weaknesses, flaws, etc., which we can set right by using the lessons we can derive from them. Most of the examples analysed here are used to express the absolute superlative in a humorous way.

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