Here's how Lakoff explains it:
* Metaphors are not just literary devices: They are fundamental to how we think and understand the world.
* Metaphors map one domain of experience onto another: For example, we use the metaphor "argument is war" to understand disagreements. We talk about "attacking" an argument, "defending" a position, and "winning" a debate.
* Metaphors become "faded" over time: When a metaphor is used repeatedly, it becomes so familiar that we no longer see it as a metaphor. It becomes part of our everyday language and thinking.
Examples of Faded Metaphors in Language:
* Time is money: We say "I'm wasting time," "I'm investing in my future," or "I'm running out of time."
* Love is a journey: We talk about being "at a crossroads" in our relationship, "traveling down the same path," or "reaching a destination."
* Ideas are food: We say "that idea is tasty," "I'm hungry for knowledge," or "I'm digesting that information."
Implications of Faded Metaphors:
* They shape our understanding of the world: The metaphors we use influence how we think about abstract concepts like time, love, and knowledge.
* They can be limiting: If we only think about arguments in terms of war, we may be less likely to consider other ways of resolving conflict.
* They can be revealing: By understanding the metaphors we use, we can gain insight into our own thinking and the values of our culture.
In summary, faded metaphors are metaphors that have become so ingrained in our language and thinking that we no longer see them as metaphors. They can be powerful tools for understanding the world, but they can also be limiting if we are not aware of their influence.