Go Figure: The Strategy of Nonliteral Speech
构建了一个非字面或间接言语的模型，分析其在均衡中出现的条件，并预测当听者正确理解说话者的收益更大时，非字面言语更可能发生。模型还应用于分析简洁、讽刺和隐性贿赂等间接言语形式，为严惩贿赂未遂的法律有效性提供了新论证。
We develop a model of figurative or indirect speech, which may convey a meaning that differs from its literal meaning. The model yields analytical conditions for speech to be figurative in equilibrium and delivers a number of comparative statics results. For instance, it predicts that the likelihood of figurative speech is greater if the benefit to the listener of correctly understanding the speaker is greater. We then apply the model to analyze particular forms of indirect speech, including terseness, irony, and veiled bribery. Interestingly, the model provides a novel argument for the effectiveness of laws that strictly punish attempted bribery.