AT literary geniuses

[InflatableBuddha]

Can anyone name the literary device used in these song lyrics? I think it's brilliant, but I have no idea what it's called.

I've bolded the examples:

Metric - Succexy

Let's drink to the military
The glass is empty
Faces to fill and cars to feed
Nothing could beat complete denial

Barenaked Ladies - Adrift

Ever since we said our goodbyes
The onion rings, the phone makes me cry
Something isn't right
Like the Deep Blue without the Great White

Essentially, the verbs have been transposed, creating an entirely different meaning from what the listener would expect (e.g. you would expect to hear "Faces to feed and cars to fill").

 

[KeithTalent]

Hypallage?

KT

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Hypallage?

KT

:thumbsup: Impressive! That seems to fit well.

Upon further searching, it appears that the first example is hypallage.

The second example seems to be closer to anthimeria, since "rings" has changed from a noun to a verb.

I learned two new words today! Woot!

 

[zgmfx10a]

Hot dang.. I digg this

 

[Crusty]

I could have answered this back in HS.....

 

[Safeway]

That was a quick correct answer. Nicely done KT.

 

[KeithTalent]

I knew that 'A' in High School English would pay off one day! :laugh:

KT

 

[TheVrolok]

Brilliant eh? Yikes. Nice work KT.

 

[AreaCode707]

Technically you're calling the grammar geniuses. A literary genius would be able to tell you which authors and poets tended to use this particular device, but not necessarily what the device is called.

 

[Kirby]

:thumbsup: to Metric

 

[n yusef]

Also, personification.