What are mixed metaphors?

Definition
	Mixed metaphors are different metaphors occurring in the same utterance, especially the same sentence, that are used to express the same concept.
	Mixed metaphors often, but not always, result in a conflict of concepts.

Examples (English)

The following sentences illustrate a mixture of the argument-as-journey and argument-as-container metaphors. The first three sentences are acceptable; the last two are marginally acceptable.

At this point our argument doesn’t have much content.

In what we’ve done so far, we have provided the core of our argument.

If we keep going the way we’re going, we’ll fit all the facts in.

??We can now follow the path of the core of the argument.

??The content of the argument proceeds as follows …

Source:

Lakoff, G. and Johnson 1980 92, 95

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of mixed metaphors:
	What are impermissible mixed metaphors? What are permissible mixed metaphors?

Generic
	Mixed metaphors are a kind of
	What is a metaphor?

Source
	Lakoff, G. and Johnson 1980 92, 95

Context for this page:

Concept module: mixed metaphors
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): M
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004