Figurative Meanings of Color Terms in English

Objectives The purpose of this study is to elucidate the figurative meanings of color terms in English. Methods To achieve this, the thesis conducts a comprehensive study on the figurative meanings of the fundamental color terms in English, focusing on metaphor and metonymy. The primary colors examined are black, white, red, yellow, and blue. Results The study reveals that the majority of color terms in English possess both referential and extended meanings. For instance, the color term ‘black’ is associated with various figurative meanings such as BADNESS IS BLACK, DEPRESSION IS BLACK, UNCONSCIOUS IS BLACK, ILLEGALITY IS BLACK, SURPLUS IS BLACK, ANGER IS BLACK, EVIL IS BLACK, SARCASM IS BLACK, UNKNOWN IS BLACK, BRUISED IS BLACK. Conclusions Color terms demonstrate systematic motivation through semantic extension mechanisms. Most expressions exhibit metonymic motivation, forming the basis for numerous color terms that are subsequently extended metaphorically.