Understatement

Understatement is a form of speech where a lesser expression is used than what would be expected; a commonly cited example is "The Rocky Mountains are scenic." This is not to be confused with euphemism, where a 'polite' word replaces a vulgar word, or a word with harsher meaning.

Related Topics:
Rocky Mountains - Euphemism

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Understatement is a staple of British humor. For example, in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, a suburban dinner party is invaded by Death, who wears a long black cloak and carries a scythe. He is the Grim Reaper; the party is over; the guests must all go with him. "Well," says one party guest, "that's cast rather a gloom over the evening, hasn't it?"

Related Topics:
British humor - Monty Python's The Meaning of Life - Grim Reaper

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In another scene from the same movie, an Army officer has just lost his leg. Asked how he feels, he looks down at his bloody stump and says, "Stings a bit."

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For a literary form see litotes.

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The opposite is overstatement, or hyperbole.

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