Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is not called by its own name, but by the name of something intimately associated with that thing or concept. Metonymies are frequently used in literature and in everyday speech and often chosen because it is a well-known characteristic of a word. Understanding metonymy is contingent on knowing the meanings of the associated words used, otherwise readers will be left confused by the context of a written work. Metonymies are often considered a hidden language, because many words can be used in the place of others.
One famous example of metonymy is the saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword," from Edward Bulwer Lytton's play Richelieu. This metonymy means the pen, or written word, is more powerful than the sword, or aggression and violence. Other common examples are: -Crown, which is used in place of royalty. -Hollywood, used to describe the U.S. film industry. -Silver-fox, which refers to an attractive older man. -Giving a hand, which means to offer help or assistance.
A metonymy is a word or phrase that is used to stand in for another word. Sometimes a metonymy is chosen because it is a well-known characteristic of the word. Metonymies are frequently used in literature and in everyday speech.
"The pen is mightier than the sword but I prefer my laptop.