So... an understatement is a figure of speech in which the writer or speaker plays down the importance or the facts of a situation.
Back in my college days I went through a bohemian phase (during the age of Lacoste polos) and arrived at my french class, at Amherst college, wearing a beret and a mini-dress. My friend, Holden, remarked, "I can see you're not in a preppy mood today."
Now-a-days, my understating self is more inclined to use this figure of speech when I get home from shopping, and after unloading bag after bag of groceries, say to my husband, "I needed to pick up a few things from the store."
In Laura Croft Tomb Raider, Laura's house has just been shot up by the bad guys and as they are cleaning things up she gets a delivery. In response to the delivery man's questioning look she responds, "I woke up this morning and I just hated everything." To him, that would have seemed like a huge understatement.
I do love understatement. But sometimes I like over the top!
How about you?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Yes, I like both understatements and over-the-top. The latter tends to be more fun. Don't you think?
Be well, Cheryl.
xoRobyn
Yep. You and me. We both love understatement. How many times have I said that. The groceries. He kinda just stares at me, stares at the bags and walks off. *wink*
Hi Robyn!! Of course you love over- the- top!!
That's one of the things I love about you!
Robyn C.... so glad you can relate...
Can't wait to hear about the upcoming wedding in your family. Understated or....???
Never gave it much thought, but I suppose I tend to be the understatement type.
*I've tagged you over at Life Lessons to answer some fun 'getting to know you' questions. Don't worry about it if you're unable to participate! Have a blessed day, my friend!
I think understatements are an art form, just like sarcasm. Those are my favorite two forms of speech and I enjoy 'battling' with someone witty that will make my brain work. I'd wish I could paint a character that is witty and relatable, those are not exclusive one from the other but if you over do it, people won't enjoy chatting with you. ;)
Nice post!
From Diary of a Writer in Progress
one of my fave ways to joke =)
fun u day!
Hi Maria! I would love to participate! Thank you so much. With understatement you can get a point across without being loud... which is brilliant. :)
Gina, I'm with you- "witty and relatable" a great combination!!
Tara, you must love British humor, then!!
Thanks for stopping by. :)
I like them both, and as a writer, it's fun to play with them, don't you think?
Have a great weekend!
Understatements are fantastic, for they have a certain quality that make a situation humorous. Your Laura Croft example is a perfect illustration of this! How can one not laugh, or at least smirk, when she brushes off the damage to her home with such a simple comment?
As for over the tops? Love 'em, too. Unquestionably.
Post a Comment