Men Talking in Metaphors

This chapter considers the metaphors men use in talking about their health. Whilst men are often cited as using battle metaphors to talk about illness, the chapter considers that this may not be a solely male way of talking about illness and offers other examples of metaphors men use to talk about long-term conditions. This includes illness as an unpredictable predator: highlighting a loss of power and control, and the body as a machine: using technology metaphors to make sense of their condition. Overall, men’s metaphors often capture salient aspects of their condition and provide an insight into imagery through language that may be helpful in talking to men about long-term conditions.