When analyzing the linguistic richness of a particular language, various ornamental stylistic devices are usually examined, as they contribute to the imagery and expressiveness of speech. These devices largely reflect the worldview of a people, the characteristics of the social structure of society, as well as the religious beliefs inherent in a given culture. Metaphor, being one of the most important mechanisms for expressing figurative meaning in language, has attracted the attention of prominent thinkers and philosophers since ancient times, which is reflected in the large number of works devoted to it. Metaphor is a trope or linguistic mechanism derived from the Greek word “μεταφορά” (transfer of meaning), which consists in expressing one object through the designation of another based on their shared characteristics.

This article discusses zoonym-based metaphors that possess both figurative and cognitive potential in expressing perceptions of the world. Zoometaphors are examined as a type of metaphor closely connected with the cultural experience, values, historical background, and social context of a nation, encompassing not only linguistic but also psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Zoometaphors establish associations between animal behavior, nature, and their relationships with humans. They also reflect differences between social groups, as well as attitudes toward values, labor, and social relations. Both Uzbek and French languages contain metaphorical expressions corresponding to the conceptual metaphor HUMAN – ANIMAL, in which the literal and figurative meanings coincide and display zoomorphic characteristics. This phenomenon demonstrates similarities in the cognitive patterns of speakers of these cultures, particularly in their observation of the surrounding environment and their common perceptions of animal behavior.