Perifrasis

Perifrasis is a rhetorical device that involves using a descriptive phrase or a set of words to refer to a person, place, or thing, instead of using its actual name. It's a way of indirectly naming something. For example, instead of saying "William Shakespeare," one might use the perifrasis "the Bard of Avon." Similarly, "the Big Apple" is a perifrasis for New York City.

This figure of speech can serve various purposes. It can add emphasis or color to writing and speech, making it more engaging or evocative. It can also be used to avoid repetition, to introduce a subject subtly, or to create a sense of mystery or intrigue. In some cases, perifrasis can be a polite or euphemistic way to refer to something sensitive or unpleasant.

The origin of the word "perifrasis" comes from the Greek word "periphrasis," meaning "circuitousness" or "talking around." This aptly describes the nature of the device, which skirts around the direct naming of something. Perifrasis is a common feature in literature, poetry, and everyday language, enriching communication through indirect expression. It can be found across many languages and cultures, demonstrating a universal human tendency to describe and allude rather than always stating directly.