Abstraction ladder
A hierarchical model that organises concepts from concrete and specific to abstract and general.
Themes: analysis and structure
Anaphora
Repetition of a word or phrase at the start of successive clauses, or a word referring back to an earlier word for cohesion.
Themes: structure and technique
Assertion
A statement someone strongly believes to be true, typically made without immediate proof.
Theme: communication
Classical roots
Greek and Latin word parts that form the base meaning of many English words.
Themes: etymology and word formation
Each
A term expressing individuality within a group—highlighting single units, distinct elements, or items considered one by one.
Themes: quantifier and distributive
Epistrophe
Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses for rhetorical or poetic effect.
Themes: rhetorical device and stylistic technique
Fauxpology
A false or insincere apology that avoids taking responsibility, genuine remorse, or acknowledging harm.
Theme: communication
F bomb
A strong, abrupt expletive used to express intense emotion—often frustration, shock, or emphasis—in a sudden verbal outburst.
Themes: expletive and slang expression
Gabble
Rapid, unclear, or meaningless speech delivered so quickly that it becomes difficult to understand.
Themes: communication and speech
Haaf
A brief, breath-like utterance expressing a sharp release of air, often signalling effort, relief, or emphasis in speech.
Themes: paralinguistic feature and speech sound
Jabber
Rapid, excited, or chaotic speech marked by spontaneity, overlap, and energetic flow; often informal, animated, and slightly unruly conversational noise.
Themes: communication and speech
Jabble
A brief, jumbled burst of mixed signals or fragmented communication, often creating momentary confusion, overlap, or noise between intended meanings.
Themes: communication, noise, and signal interference
Naam
A word with multiple meanings: commonly "yes" in Arabic, historically a term for property seizure in early English law, and "name" in Dutch.
Themes: communication, identity, and aw
Parallelism
The use of matching or repeated structures—such as words, phrases, or sentences—to create balance, rhythm, or clarity in writing.
Themes: structure and style
Quotation
A group of words repeated from another source because the wording is notable or useful.
Themes: communication and expression
Verb phrase
A group of words built around a main verb, often including auxiliary or modal verbs, and sometimes objects, complements, or modifiers.
Theme: grammatical structure