Metaphorical Expressions in Internet Language

Abstract

In the 1980s, American linguist George Lakoff and philosopher Mark Johnson proposed the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, arguing that metaphor is not only a major rhetorical strategy in language, but also a fundamental conceptual tool. Metaphorical expressions are widespread in internet language and can generally be categorized into ontological metaphors, orientational metaphors, and structural metaphors. These expressions not only simplify complex ideas, but also directly address pressing societal issues.