3

Sort of like onomatopoeia, where the word sounds like that which it describes, but where saying the word makes one feel like that which it describes.

Sorry for the terrible explanation.

EDIT: This came up during a conversation with a friend who described something as 'scuzzy'. Saying scuzzy makes me feel scuzzy and here we are...

Improve this question
5
  • 2
    Can you provide an example sentence?
    – A.P.
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 9:14
  • I can think of words where the circumstances or manner in which they're said could make you feel like their meaning - shouting "EMBARRASSED!" in a quiet theatre would do it, or certain profanities said in polite company. Is that what you mean? I can't think of any examples where a word will always have that effect, wherever it is said.
    – JHCL
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 9:42
  • Seems like a big ask! Perhaps in German ...?
    – Dan
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 13:44
  • Real life example given...
    – GP24
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 14:00
  • I think I know exactly what you have in mind. In the U.S. it is impossible to use the word corny without feeling as though you just walked into a sophisticated soiree in your overalls.
    – Sven Yargs
    Commented Nov 4, 2015 at 5:07

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

Ideophone

'A vivid representation of an idea in sound. A word, often onomatopoeic, which describes a predicate, qualificative or adverb in respect to manner, color, sound, smell, action, state or intensity.’

Ideophones evoke sensory events.

Example: "twinkle: the glow of something sparkling or shiny."

We say, her eyes twinkled merrily or we say wow! and our mere saying it makes us express admiration or surprise.

Improve this answer
1
  • Nice word. Does ...saying the word makes one feel like that which it describes?
    – Dan
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 13:42
0

This is subjective, but I submit the word "Cacophonous", which describes anything that involves or produces a harsh or discordant mixture of sounds.

EDIT: It seems like you were looking for something more general. Per one of the other posts, "cacophony" is but one example of "ideophone".

Improve this answer
0

Mood: In literature, mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers.
Literary Devices: Mood

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Hi Terry, welcome to EL&U. This is on the way to being a good answer, but note that our site is a bit different from other Q&A sites: an answer here is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct - preferably by quoting a reference (e.g. a dictionary definition) hyperlinked to the source. You can edit your post to add this detail; for further guidance, see How to Answer. Make sure you also take the EL&U Tour :-)
    – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten
    Commented Mar 20, 2019 at 1:16

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .