Games on Figurative Languages

Name Behind the Metaphor

• Metaphors create a comparative connection between unrelated objects through the use of phrases or words meant to suggest similarity. An example includes the phrase ̶0;you are what you eat̶1;, which while not literally correct implies the connection between the body and nutrition. Teenaged students can play a game using metaphors as clues to help identify famous people. One person is designated as the game master and secretly selects the name of famous person who the rest of the class will know. The game master then provides clues in the form of metaphors, such as, ̶0;If my person were an vehicle, he or she would be a truck̶1;. "If he were a fruit, he would be an apple." The audience is allowed six guesses. If the correct answer is not given, the game master reveals the name, and a new game master takes over.

Traveling Alliteration Game

• Alliteration is a form of figurative language that uses repetitive sounds or letters in a sequence of words. Examples of alliteration include tongue twisters, such as ̶0;She sells seashells by the seashore̶1;. Suitable for young children and teenagers, alliteration games help to pass the time while traveling. One option is the selection of alliterative words connected to the child̵7;s name, with emphasis on funny or goofy word combinations, "Billy's blue blanket blocks blubber." Adults should begin the game with a creative combination of alliteration words to illustrate the purpose of the game. Another option is to use animal names instead of the child̵7;s name -- "My rabbit eats radishes, raisins and rhubarb" -- encouraging the child or teen to derive new and interesting word combinations in their experiments with alliteration.

Hangman with Onomatopoeia

• The classic word game of "hangman" is given a figurative language edge when onomatopoeia is introduced into the game. Onomatopoeia introduces words that mimic the sound of a particular action or object. Examples include pop, bang, and zing. This version of hangman uses only onomatopoeia, with the players selecting letters to fill in the blanks. When the player guesses wrong, then a part of a stick figure is drawn such as the head or leg. If the stick figure is complete before the word is revealed then the player loses.

Pictionary with Idioms

• Idioms are phrases that defy the traditional meanings of the individual words in the phrase or those which deviate from traditional grammatical guidelines. An example of the first type of idiom is the phrase ̶0;kick the bucket̶1;. The second type can be seen in the use of phrases such as ̶0;the table round̶1; instead of the correct ̶0;the round table.̶1; Pictionary with idioms is best suited for older children and teenagers. A player selects a card with an idiom listed and must sketch a picture of the actual meaning of the idiom while the others try to guess what it is.