Reading Chinese online entertainment news: Metaphor and language play

As there has been relatively little research into the use of metaphor in soft media discourse, this investigation of metaphor used in Chinese online entertainment news attempts to fill the gap. Metaphors in entertainment news involve play elements, including the playful extension of WAR and MARTIAL ARTS metaphors and the creative employment of FOOD metaphors. By exploiting traditional and contemporary popular cultural paradigms, these metaphors sensationalize the news content by offering readers a stirring fantasy. The use of these play metaphors in Chinese entertainment news reflects an understanding of the popular entertainment culture in China, and is driven by the changing socio-economic conditions of contemporary Chinese society.

► An exploration of metaphors in soft media discourse.
► Language play has a role in the creation, use and understanding of metaphors.
► The use of play metaphors in soft news reflects an understanding of the popular entertainment culture, and is driven by the changing socio-economic conditions of contemporary society.