A simile is a comparison between two things, using the word like or as. Even snot-nosed Reception kids use similes all the time, even if they don’t realise they’re doing it:

“Your hair smells like poo!” shouted Clare, pointing at Anna.

Think about it. Anna’s hair does not smell like poo. She doesn’t actually have poo in her hair! Nevertheless, we understand the comparison Clare’s making.

“Well, your hair is as messy as a rubbish tip!” shouted Anna.
“You’re the one talkin’ rubbish!” replied Clare, wiping her nose on her sleeve.

(Ah – do you see what Clare is doing here? She’s used a metaphor. She told Anna that what she was saying was like rubbish – but she didn’t use the word like.)

(c) Nick Hitchen 2007

Last updated on August 13, 2007