Cacophony etymology with definition types and examples

A cacophony is an expression that generates dissonance during its pronunciation. This is because cacophony is required to have similar or identical syllables in its construction. This is very shocking to the reader, so it is always advisable to avoid it, especially informal conversations. This term is one of the most common vices in both spoken and written language and is often a source of conflict. In this article we will provide you the etymology of cacophony.

Examples:

• It seems to appear .
• Each box fits perfectly.
• By drinking tea you will get better.

In these cases, the sentences comprise words with the same or similar syllables right next to each other. This creates that conflict that we talk about, especially in oral language since it doesn’t sound quite right. In some cases we even find more than two words that are similar and that project that cacophony of which we speak.

Example:

• They were spying on the spies when they spied on them .

However, it is not the only medium in which cacophony is used. In teaching English to foreigners , for example, cacophonies are widely used when incorporating tongue twisters . This helps non-native speakers in the pronunciation of the language, as in the case of child education.

Example:

• Three sad tigers ate wheat in a wheat field.

The repetition of the same sound is cacophonic in some cases, as in the previous one.

Cacophony is also used in a more literary sense , in a humorous tone. Some great writers of our history, such as Quevedo, already used these cacophonies to compose their works and give a touch of humor.

Example:

• You have discovered the poop with the poop you sing . Francisco de Quevedo.

Although there is no very defined typology of cacophony, we can affirm that it occurs in two different ways. Either a cacophony is used on purpose or it is used with ignorance, that is, completely unintentionally .

1-Intentional cacophony

The intentional typology is usually used with the purpose of showing a specific skill in the language at the moment of vocalizing a group of words with the same or similar syllables without making any type of error. This is the case of the tongue twister that we have already discussed. When we use a tongue twister, whether for teaching or fun, we do it on purpose. It is widely used to improve the diction of students, both foreigners and those who need special reinforcement.

Example:

• Pablito nailed a little nail, what a little nail Pablito nail.

2-Unintended cacophony

In the case of unintended cacophony, it usually occurs due to lack of vocabulary to express an idea. This also usually happens due to a vice of the tongue.

Example:

• Eat the food and instead of Take the food fast
• He told me what I was doing instead of him asking me what I was doing.

At the moment, there is no historical record to locate the cacophony since it has existed since we know the language. However, there is a trend towards the use of cacophony in very specific sectors such as, for example, marginal neighborhoods or rural towns. In these places, there is usually not a very rich lexicon to express yourself, both orally and in writing, so the repeated use of the same syllables, or very similar ones, is common.

As for the etymology, the word cacophony comes from the Greek and is formed by the word “caco”, which means “unpleasant or horrible” and phoneia, which is the action of speaking. That is why it is usually translated as “bad speech” or “bad sounding word “.

Examples:

• They tried to bring Teresa.
• Pedro seems lost.
• To pass through here.
• In the photo it seems that a ghost appears.
• When you were, you saw the lightning.
• Eat little coconut.
• Each box fits well.
• Cata sings every night.
• I like the color of the motorbike’s engine.
• He was climbing and what a scandal it was.
• I’m dressed as a cowboy with jeans.
• The newborn was born in the mother‘s nest.
• It’s hard for me to lift the weight on the table.

The best way to learn to distinguish the cacophonies is to analyze the examples . We leave a list of them below so that you can understand it.

• Whales fill the entire sea.
• He who buys little, eats little.
• This boy wears little clothes.
• In that place you were, you saw the grasshopper.
• The San Roque dog does not have a tail because Ramón has cut it off.
• They told the commenter which was the best option.
• He eats little coconut.
• Maria will piss in the sea.

Examples of tongue twisters Cacophony etymology

• Mariana Magaña will unravel tomorrow the tangle that Mariana Mañara has entangled.
• He brought me three suits, three suits Tajo brought me.
• Pancha iron with four plates, How many plates does Pancha iron?
• The mother and daughter go to mass. The mother steps on straw and the daughter steps on straw.
• How do you want me to love you if the one who wants me to love me doesn’t love me the way I want him to love me.