13

Eisenhower used it constantly to fend off reporters. Is there a term to describe this type of phrase?

Improve this question
5
  • 3
    Awesome, a quadruple negative.
    – Orbling
    Mar 3, 2011 at 14:35
  • 2
    I always heard that as "I couldn't fail NOT to disagree with you less." - One of my favorites! "I may be wrong, but I'm not far from it."
    – MickeyfAgain_BeforeExitOfSO
    Mar 3, 2011 at 14:44
  • @Orbling Quadruple negative? You mean you have photographs? :P
    – Isaac Truett
    Mar 3, 2011 at 18:56
  • @Isaac Truett: If these are Eisenhower's photos, I hope not!
    – Orbling
    Mar 3, 2011 at 19:11
  • 1
    Similar: "That young girl is one of the least benightedly unintelligent organic life forms it has been my profound lack of pleasure not to be able to avoid meeting." Douglas Adams writing the character of Marvin.
    – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten
    Mar 3, 2011 at 22:49

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
12

I think it's a rather extreme case of litotes. From the New Oxford American Dictionary:

ironical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g., you won't be sorry, meaning you'll be glad).

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.