ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Literal and figurative language

Literal language means that you say exactly what you mean, without using any special or fancy words. For example, if you say "I am eating an apple," you mean that you are actually taking a bite out of a real apple that you're holding in your hand.

Figurative language, on the other hand, is when you use words or phrases to describe something in a way that is different from its real meaning. You might say "I'm in a pickle," which doesn't mean that you're actually stuck inside a jar of pickles, but rather that you're in a difficult situation.

Figurative language can make what you're saying more interesting or engaging, because it allows you to use your imagination and creativity to express yourself. But it can also be confusing if someone doesn't understand what you're actually trying to say.

So, remember: literal language means saying exactly what you mean, while figurative language means using words in a creative way to express something in a different way than the literal meaning.