Conceptual Blending and Compound Figures of Speech

Compound figures of speech, such as hyperbolic metaphors, ironic metaphors and ironic hyperboles, have been investigated from several points of view, but the complexity of the phenomena is such that a thorough explanation is still lacking. This contribution will be focused on ironic metaphors. It will be suggested that a plausible explanation of their process of interpretation can be found within the framework of Conceptual Integration Networks. Specifically, two alternative proposals are discussed. The first one is in line with two-stage theories of figurative language comprehension, as it describes the interpretation of the compound as a blending of a blending. The second one analyses emergent meanings on a probabilistic base, as in constraint-satisfaction models of irony, which are consistent with one-stage theories. Finally, an interpretation of the empirical results obtained in previous studies is provided.