Russell Samora, with design and illustration by Shelly Tan, conducted an in-depth study of similes used across popular fiction for The Pudding.Moving beyond simple word counts, the analysis explores the types of words employed, unexpected outliers, and instances of ironic usage.One particularly notable focus is the simile pattern “___ as hell.

” The earliest recorded use in the exact structure was found in the 1954 novel The Refuge, where the phrase is used to describe a character's attractiveness.

Interestingly, while most nouns in similes represent tangible concepts or traits, “hell” in this context functions simply as an intensifier equivalent to “very,” making it a unique entry in the dataset.The analysis offers insights into how writers creatively employ language and how certain expressions gain popularity over time.

This study contributes to understanding patterns in literary expression, highlighting both conventional and surprising choices in figurative language.Readers interested in statistical visualization and the nuances of fiction writing will find this examination both informative and engaging.Additional related analyses include word usage on NYC streets, trends in romance novel covers, and decade-specific language in Billboard song titles.