Monique Roffey

Trinidad's language is a fusion of English, African, and French, and so we have our own words and even our own dictionary. Steupse is a common local word, and it's the onomatopoeic word for the sound people make to show disapproval, or to show they are vexed, when they suck their teeth together.

British Writer

Kate Forsyth

It has always seemed a cruel joke to me that the very word 'stutter' is difficult for many stutterers to pronounce. It is onomatopoeic, an imitation of the halting, repetitive sound made by people with this speech dysfunction.

Australian Author

Onomatopoeic words imitate the sounds they describe, helping listeners imagine them better.

Sound Imitation

Writers often use onomatopoeic words to make their writing more vivid and engaging.

Creative Usage

Onomatopoeic words can vary in different languages, as they mimic sounds specific to each language.

Not Universal

Literary onomatopoeia creates a vivid image by evoking sounds that paint a sensory picture.

Evokes Imagery

Onomatopoeic words in poetry can build atmosphere and mood, adding depth to the reading experience.

Poetic Atmosphere

Authors use onomatopoeia to achieve a specific effect or to make their writing more memorable.