Metafoore

Metafoore is a neologism occasionally used in informal literary and online discussions to denote a self-referential or second-order metaphor — that is, a metaphor that comments on, describes, or reframes other metaphors. The term is not widely established in academic literature and appears primarily in creative and conversational contexts where speakers seek a concise label for meta-level figurative language.

Etymology and usage

The word combines the prefix meta-, indicating self-reference or abstraction, with a variant of "metaphor." In use, metafoore can refer to an explicit device in which a speaker or writer uses one metaphor to analyze or transform another (for example, describing the act of explaining metaphors as "illuminating a lantern that lights other lanterns"). Writers and critics sometimes employ the concept when discussing recursive imagery, layered symbolism, or commentary on language itself.

Related concepts

Metafoore overlaps with ideas from literary theory such as metanarrative, meta-commentary, and reflexivity. It is akin to the notion of "meta-metaphor" used by some theorists to explore how figurative structures organize discourse.

Criticism and limitations

Because the term is informal and seldom standardized, its meaning can be vague and redundant; some argue established terms like reflexivity or metacommentary suffice. Nonetheless, metafoore serves as a useful shorthand in casual analysis of layered figurative expression.