What is figurative language?

writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning
a technique in which something simultaneously represents itself and something else
words that trigger the imagination to remember by appealing to the five senses
a statement about an abstract idea expressed in a work of art

The answer is writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning. Types of figurative language are metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, idioms and onomatopoeia.

A technique in which something simultaneously represents itself and something else is called a synecdoche.

Words that trigger the imagination to remember by appealing to the five senses are called cues.

A statement about an abstract idea expressed in a work of art is called a descriptive statement.

he was always smiling, wearing the same thing, and sitting criss cross apple sauce.