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Paralipsis: The Best Rhetorical Device--Evah!

By Randall Brown | January 23, 2013 10:15 AM |
The best rhetorical device evah! paralipsis is a rhetorical device wherein the speaker or writer invokes a subject by denying that it should be invoked. The device is typically used to distance the speaker from unfair claims, while still bringing them up.

For example, it allows you to have the following conversation:

“I could mention, dearest, how this is the fifth time I’ve had to pick up your towel, but I’m not going to.”

“But you just did.”

“No. I’m NOT going to mention it.”

“But—”

“Not mentioning it.”

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