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Tmesis

usgb/təˈmiːsɪs/Volume
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Informal Usage

Tmesis is most common in informal speech and writing to add emphasis or humor.

Illustration for Informal Usage
'This is going to be legen-wait for it-dary!' shows tmesis for dramatic effect.
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Creative Speech

Using tmesis can make language more creative by breaking expected word patterns.

Illustration for Creative Speech
The phrase 'abso-bloomin-lutely' is an inventive use of tmesis.
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Speech Emphasis

Tmesis draws attention to the inserted word for stronger emphasis than the original word.

Illustration for Speech Emphasis
Saying 'un-believably great' rather than 'unbelievably great' emphasizes the greatness.
Visual representation of the word "Tmesis"

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