Legaard (2023) argues that the symbolic meaning of the toy is seen through the use of various visual metaphors. It leads to a product that references something different than it actually is. Through this shift, it gives the product a new meaning.
We can quickly see that the toy in our analysis is representing something else - a real gun. It possesses many of the same qualities as the real thing but still manages to detach itself from it. How can it achieve that?
We can quickly observe that on the first glance - the colours and textures do not truly resemble a real gun. The toy is made entirely out of plastic, with vibrant and striking colours that would not be fit for a gun used on a battlefield. This use of visual indicators, or metaphors as Legaard (2023) calls them, are useful. They allow us to quickly differentiate between the real thing and a toy. Which can be important for distinguishing if your child is playing with a toy or a real gun.
Even though these differences can be more striking for an adult, the Nerf gun still resembles a gun. These metaphors are encouraging meanings in experiences of children, “allowing wonder to unfold as the basis for the play experience” (Legaard, 2023, p. 177).