This article studies the cognitive and linguistic mechanisms of ‘conceptual metaphor’ and ‘conceptual metonymy’ since they operate within onomastic idioms that incorporate proper names. Studying the theoretical framework of Lakoff and Johnson’s ‘Conceptual Metaphor Theory’, the paper highlights how proper names, often taken from literature, history, culture or geography, function as cognitive tools for categorization, evaluation, and cultural framing. Through detailed analysis, the paper shows how metaphor enables the mapping of abstract concepts (e.g. greed, love, fear or intelligence) onto well-known figures (such as “Scrooge,” “Einstein,” or “Romeo”), whilst metonymy allows names to stand in for related concepts within the same domain (e.g., “Shakespeare” for his works or “Hollywood” for the film industry). Special attention is given to how these idioms reflect cultural knowledge and collective memory, as well as how metaphor and metonymy often interact within a single expression. The study highlights the role of onomastic idioms as a rich site for examining how language encodes meaning, identity, and cultural values through the cognitive reuse of names.
metaphor, metonymy, conceptual domain, mapping, literal, figurative, concept, target, framework, cultural knowledge
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.