Looks Great, Less Filling

Congratulations to Rick Santorum, who became the Not-Romney du jour by sweeping three states on Tuesday. Yes, he garnered few delegates; but we’re talking politics, not reality. Santorum came up with our favorite Romney label: “Obama Lite.” Rhetoric lovers around the globe pondered: What figure of speech is that, exactly? We’re here to help.

The ancients were unfamiliar with lite beer, and they failed to come up with a technical term for an analogy that includes differences. Analogy is Greek for “proportional thought” or, in modern-speak, “template.” Santorum says that Obama is an analog for Romney—except that Romney is a watered-down, lo-cal version. An analogy with a difference.

In our book Word Hero,  we devised a new figure to cover that analagous base.

Like…Only Technique. A figure of thought that uses a simile or analogy and points out the differences. Romney is like Obama, only less filling. You’ll find more examples at our sister site.

Meanwhile, we wish Rick Santorum all the joy that 15 minutes of fame can bring.

Comments

[Kirk Conner]

I just started reading "Thank You for Arguing," and I'm very pleasantly surprised. I have never read a book on rhetoric before today and now I wish I had started learning about it years ago...

Many of the key issues in the first three chapters hit me like a club!

It all just clicked for me. Strangely, I had been thinking about much of what you wrote earlier today (before I'd even picked up your book). The practical, clear, and simple way that you explained "the difference between arguing and fighting," is liable to stick with me for the rest of my life, and may even play a key role in improving the success of many future relationships.

I'm afraid I have always been easily duped. When I see someone in need, I am the first one to show up and do anything I can to help them... I might as well have a target painted on my forehead!

In other words, I am a con-artists wet dream! (if I had any money that is)

I should get to the point, though, before I rant on too much... You seem very passionate about rhetoric, and I'd like to know how you most prefer to expand your knowledge in this area. Anything to get me pointed in the right direction after reading your books would be fantastic! :)

I don't fully expect a response, but hey, it was worth a try, right?! Thanks a million for your time,

Kirk

[Figaro]

You'll find an answer in "Ask Figaro," Kirk: http://www.Figarospeech.com/ask-Figaro.

[kirk c]

Thank you