Some definitions

figure of speech: use of words in a different way from their usual meaning

idiom:words put together differently from the dictionary definition of individual words

figurative language: lots of metaphors, similes, hyperbole (as opposed to literal language)

literal: actually happens

figurative: feels like it happens

Examples

simile: comparison (+ 'like' or 'as') between things with something in common

metaphor: description of something as the same as something else

alliteration: repetition of initial sounds

onomatopoeia: imitates the sounds represented

hyperbole: exaggeration

euphemism: substitute inoffensive term for something explicit

assonance: repetition of similar vowel sounds

resonance: prolonged vibrating sound

repetition: reinforcement of ideas and dramatic momnts

personification: giving an object a personality or human qualities

anaphora: repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences

understatement: to deliberately make less serious or important

irony: use of words to convey opposite of literal meaning

oxymoron:contradictory or incongruous words used side by side

pun: play on words of different or similar sense or sound

allegory: symbolic use of language, representing abstract ideas through concrete forms

analogy: transfer of information or meaning from oe subject to another

rhetoric:undue exaggeration, used to sway an audience, to persuade

rhetorical question: not really a question, no answer expected

satire: exaggerate in order to ridicule

parody: writing in another's style with intention of ridicule

facetiousness: inappropriate humour

Examples of some of the above:

onomatopeia: mumble, buzz, quack quack

resonance: murmur of inumerable humming insects

hyperbole: nearly died laughing

idiom: fishing for compliments

euphemism: passed away

analogy: own goal, shoot self in foot

anaphora: I have a dream, Of all the gin joints

oxymoron: Spanish punctuality

trope: Number 10

Other linguistic terms

collocation: words normally found together

colligation: grammatical structures usually found together

syntax: rules governing the patterns of language

grammar: rules governing the use of language