mental blindspot

[truepenny]

The Virtu, Chapter 11: 32 ms pgs, 7,313 wds
Running total: 554 ms pgs, 126,988 wds

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WHAT is the name of the rhetorical technique of which Cicero was so fond? The one that goes, "If I were going to say anything about Cataline's morals and sexual practices, I would say that he fornicates with underage sheep, but since I'm not going to talk about that, let me tell you about his poor hygiene instead."

I have learned this word at least four times since I was first introduced to the concept as a college sophomore. And it will not stick. Will. Not.

And now I've become aware again that I've lost the word, and it's driving me crazy. If some kind person could help me out, I would be ever so grateful. Of course, it won't stick this time, either, but I can mark this entry with a suitably evocative tag and just come back to it when I need it.

Comments

[poukledden.livejournal.com]

*delurks*

I think you mean Praeteritio.

Nice page here: http://www.classics.cam.ac.uk/catr/ciceroSite/Language/Rhetoric/rhetoricFigures1.htm

[aquaeri.livejournal.com]

Icon love (I'm originally from Denmark, the Gundestrup cauldron is part of my heritage as far as I'm concerned.)

I had a look at your lj, and it looks interesting, so I'm flisting you. No obligation to return.

[larryhammer]

Apophasis is the most common name for it, but it's also known as paralipsis and preterition. I think the latter is what Cicero would have called it.

My favorite dirty rhetorical trick.

---L.

[vass]

Apophasis! I love how that word sounds.

But I always get it and aporia, "I don't know how to say this," confused.

[marypcb.livejournal.com]

apo means away from or without and phasis is turning; you set out the suggestion and then you turn away from it in horror. I don't know if the etymology will help with remembering it?

[cliosfolly.livejournal.com]

It has several names: praeteritio, occultatio, an erroneous-reading based alternate occupatio, paralepsis, and parasiopesis. According to Lanham's A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms, the preferred and most used term is occultatio. Apophasis is a type of occultatio, specifically emphasizing negative qualities.