Choliamb

Choliamb, also known as a limping iamb, is a type of verse in Greek and Latin poetry. It is an iambic hexameter in which the final foot is replaced by a trochee (a long syllable followed by a short syllable) or a spondee (two long syllables). This substitution at the end creates a sense of abruptness or incompleteness, hence the "limping" designation.

The choliamb was often used for satirical or humorous effect, reflecting the awkwardness of the verse itself. It was particularly favoured by the poet Hipponax in the 6th century BC, and is sometimes referred to as a Hipponactean verse. The effect of the choliamb is to disrupt the regular rhythm of the iambic hexameter, giving the verse a rough or jarring quality. This contrasts with the more elegant and flowing sound of standard iambic hexameter, traditionally used for epic poetry. The jarring rhythm is deliberate, used to convey a sense of clumsiness or mockery that enhances the satirical or comedic intent of the poem.