A saying is any concisely written or spoken expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or style. Sayings are categorized as follows:
- Aphorism: a general, observational truth; "a pithy expression of wisdom or truth".[1][page needed]
- Cliché or bromide: an unoriginal and overused saying.
- Platitude: a cliché that is unsuccessfully presented as though it were meaningful, original, or effective.
- Epigram: a clever and often poetic written saying that comments on a specific person, idea, or thing; it especially denominates such a saying that is conspicuously put at the beginning of a text.
- Epitaph: a saying in honor of a decedent, often engraved on a headstone or plaque.
- Epithet: a descriptive word or saying already widely associated with a specific person, idea, or thing.
- Idiom: a saying that has only a non-literal interpretation; "an expression whose meaning can't be derived simply by hearing it, such as 'Kick the bucket.'"[2]
- Four-character idiom:
- Chengyu: Chinese four-character idioms
- Sajaseong-eo: Korean form of four-character idioms
- Yojijukugo: Japanese form of four-character idioms
- Four-character idiom:
- Mantra: a religious, mystical, or other spiritual saying that is repeated, for example, in meditation.
- Maxim: (1) an instructional expression of a general principle or rule of morality or (2) simply a synonym for "aphorism"; they include:
- Motto: a saying used frequently by a person or group to summarize its general mission.
- Slogan: a motto with the goal of persuading.
- Quip: a clever or humorous saying based on an observation.
- Witticism: a saying that is clever and usually humorous, and notable for its form or style just as much as, or more than, its meaning.
References
External links
Media related to Sayings at Wikimedia Commons