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Zeugma

Posted by Advertising Copywriter on January 22, 2004

In Reply to: Zeugma posted by ESC on January 19, 2004

: ZEUGMA -- \ZOOG-muh\ noun -- The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one (as in "opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy"). Example sentence: "She left in a huff and a Chevy," said Jack, employing vivid zeugma to report of Marissa's departure. (The Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) for November 28, 2003.)

Having learned zeugma in these forums here, I just used one in an ad I wrote, just for fun. My line was "Maintain your customers' vehicles and their satisfaction"; or doesn't that work as a zeugma?

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