Conceptual Metaphor in English Slang Phytonyms

The present paper provides a cognitive account of conceptual metaphor in English slang phytonyms. The research focus falls on denominations of vegetables, fruits, and nuts serving as the basis for conceptual metaphorization. As concrete inanimate objects accompanying humankind since the dawn of civilization and forming the basis of its diet, these three categories of plants are visually, tactilely, olfactorily, gustatorily, and, to a lesser extent, aurally perceptible, which contributes to their advanced and long -held position in human experientiality. The simple and complex specific-level metaphors formulated are categorized according to their degree of conventionality and function. The cognitive results obtained not only showcase the verbalization and conceptualization potential of the phytonyms under study but also substantiate the anthropocentrism, physicalism, somatocentrism, and hedonism of English slang users.