So, I've decided it would be a good idea to write a weekly editorial regarding our very own English language. I am an American, so I cannot pretend to be the best grammatical expert in the world, but I know a thing or two. Recently, I've seen an some resemblance, or an absolute abomination, of the English language used on deviantART. Well folks, I'm here to help you broaden your vocabulary by teaching you a few words that will help you at least sound intelligent. And awwwwway we go!

Synedoche
Pronunciation: [link]
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, 15th Century C.E.
Function: noun, adjective (-e -> -ic, -e -> =ical), adverb (-e ically)
Definition: a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (as fifty sail for fifty ships), the whole for a part (as society for high society), the species for the genus (as cutthroat for assassin), the genus for the species (as a creature for a man), or the name of the material for the thing made (as boards for stage)

Translated: If you say, "Tickle the Ivories," where Ivories is a slang term for a piano, your use of Ivories is synedochical. Other examples would be referring to a basketball court as "the hardwood," or referring to the human race as "mankind" (since half the world's population is female). Care should be exerted when using this type of speech, because not only can it cause confusion, it can be offensive. Go to Wales or Ireland and refer to Great Britain as "England," and you're liable to end up in a fistfight.

Metonymy
Pronunciation: [link]
Etymology: Latin, 16th Century C.E.
Function: noun
Definition: a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated (as “crown” in “lands belonging to the crown” )

Translated: Simply put, referring to a Kingship as "the throne", or referring to the President, or the office of the President as "The White House," are prime examples of metonymy.

Rule of thumb: All metonymies are are synedochial, but not all synedoche are metonymies. Do not confuse either of these with simile, metaphor, or personification. Hopefully, this will help those of you who write with your next piece or writing.