In Russian, phraseologism, or phraseoma, is a stable unit of speech, which, in terms of semantic load, is closer to the word than to the phrase.
History of phraseologisms
In such a phrase, neither the meaning nor the arrangement of words can be changed. As a rule, the semantic meaning of any phraseological unit can be defined in one word: “sharpen the hair” - to chat. So the meaning of phraseology “smoking incense” can be interpreted as “praise” or, most often, “flatter”.
Incense, or aromatic smoke, is always very fragrant. In Russian classics it is compared with the most pleasant smells, called "heady". That is, as a rule, smoking incense is always fraught with delight.
In its original form, this phrase was purely religious in color and meant an act of sacrifice to God in the Jewish religion. Gradually in ancient Rome, incense (in the literal sense of the word) was smoked while reading panegyrics by the government throne or in honor of any feats. Over time, the very fact of smoking incense and the process of praise became identical and easily interchangeable. The history of phraseological units most often has historical or literary roots.
The semantic load of phraseological units
Nowadays, the meaning of phraseology “smoking incense” has acquired a skeptical connotation. Therefore, even sincere words of delight with this phrase can be turned into flattery or hint that this is flattery, emphasizing the excessiveness of the expressed delight.
Of all the known religious idioms on this subject, such as “hallelu sing”, “aquist to sing”, “smoke incense”, the meaning of “winged phrase” went to only the last of them. In frequency of use, that is, in popularity, it can only be compared with “crocodile tears” or “cornerstone”.
The role of this unit of speech in any language is difficult to overestimate. In Russian, it acquires the status of a treasury, a storehouse of wisdom, a reflector of history, an indicator of imagery.
Device phrase
A characteristic feature of phraseological units is the complete discrepancy between the semantic load of the phrase and the words of which it consists. So, the meaning of phraseology “smoking incense” is to praise, and incense is aromatic smoke. And they can only be combined in a figurative sense. The phraseological splices themselves (this is another name for phraseologism) are the most interesting representatives of Russian speech, their study is unusually fascinating and informative. Where did such phraseological turns as “buridan donkey”, “onion grief” or “bare truth” come from, and what do they mean?
It is fascinating to observe how with the passage of time the semantic load of a particular phrase changes. As already noted, the generally accepted meaning of phraseology “smoking incense” is to praise and flatter. Now, this phrase may well be interpreted as “talking teeth” or it can be perceived as a “subtle” mockery. Very often, flattery is used to hide the true attitude and intention.
Synopsis Phraseologisms
The very term “phraseological unit” can be replaced by the synonyms “phraseological unit”, “idiom”, “stable phrase” or “verb group”. These interchangeable phrases are not only many, but they themselves are ambiguous. For example, the phrase "smoke incense." The value of phraseology can well be interpreted as:
- directly perform a religious ceremony ;
- truly admire the virtues of someone;
- frankly flatter;
- talking teeth and so on.
These examples are common to all idioms. In addition, there are groups of synonym phraseological units. Again, what does “smoking incense” mean? Flatter. Walking on the hind legs also means obedience and flattery. What does it mean to “crumble into a small demon”? It is to flatter, not show off. Because, as you know from Gogol, the smaller the demon, the more he spins, flatters, pleases.
The role of phraseological units in the Russian language
In Russian, along with phraseological units, there are a large number of proverbs, sayings, foreign-language material (popular Latin, French, English slangs), winged words and expressions.
Interestingly, proverbs and sayings do not apply to phraseological phrases. But the author of the Explanatory Dictionary S. I. Ozhegov proposed to consider the narrow and broad meaning of phraseological units. To the latter, he attributed proverbs and sayings. In each science, there are several schools, trends and worldviews.
Certainly, one can only assert that this unit of speech is incredibly figurative, “juicy” and is a wonderful illustration to the legendary wealth of the Russian language.
They make human speech more clear and intelligible. And since it is necessary to form a person’s speech skills from school, acquaintance with phraseological units, as well as with other speech units, from a young age develops the horizons and logical thinking of students.