Introduction
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines a phrazle as “a jocular or fanciful explanation or excuse for something,” and notes that the word may have originated in medieval England. The OED’s first citation for the word is from 1386, and it continues to be occasionally used in modern English.
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- Introduction
- What is a phrazle?
- Definition of the word “phrazle.”
- History of the word: How did it come to be used?
- Examples of phrazles in literature and everyday life: What are some examples?
What is a phrazle?
A phrazle is a word or phrase that is not real, but is used in place of a real word or phrase. A phrazle may be used for comedic effect, or to conceal the true meaning of a sentence. Phrazles can be found in both spoken and written English, and are often used in children’s stories and poems.
Definition of the word “phrazle.”
Typically, a phrazle is a word or phrase that is not actually a word, but is instead an expression made up of two or more words. This can be done for many reasons, including to save time or to make a point. Phrases like “I’m not really sure” or “Don’t worry about it” are often created using phrazles.
History of the word: How did it come to be used?
A phrazle is a word that has come to be used in a particular way, for a particular purpose. It may have arisen from some other word, or it may have been created specifically for the purpose of its use. What is interesting about the history of phrazles is that they have often been used in ways that are not strictly grammatical, or even syntactical. In fact, many phrazles are quite nonsensical!
-Phrazles were once used as passwords in order to protect information.
-Phrazles have also been used as nicknames and pseudonyms.
-They are sometimes used as humorously meaningless words.
-Some phrazles serve as alternate names for places or things.
Examples of phrazles in literature and everyday life: What are some examples?
Phrases like “That’s all I have to say about that” or “That’s all for tonight” are examples of phrazles. These phrases are usually used when someone is finished talking and doesn’t want to continue the conversation. Phrases like these can be found in everyday life as well as in literature.
