Paradiastole

//__Paradiastole__//

**Definition::** Paradiastole is the use of a //euphemism// to turn a negative characteristic into a positive one. Paradiastole can be used for politeness, diplomacy, irony, and as a way to defend something or somebody. For example, saying “curvy” instead of “fat”.

Random examples of __paradiastole__:

Guts – Shamelessness Frugal – Stingy Unsociable – Loner Craftiness – Hypocrisy Freedom fighter – Terrorist Foresight – Scheming Caution – Slyness Slightly severe – Cruel Courageous – Furious Unique – Cheap

//I am not so much arrogant as you say as confident, which perhaps you are not.// //You call her ugly because you do not see her beauty.// //Yes, I know it does not work all the time, but that is what makes it interesting.//


 * To be accused of vice is to be accused to of transgressing social values and at of risk being ostracized. People thus accused may well seek to re-frame what is being called a vice into a virtue, effectively doing a reversal.
 * Sales people may use paradiastole when they turn an objection into a benefit.
 * Paradiastole may also be used in an ironic or sarcastic sense, such when a person committing a foolish act is praised as being a genius.
 * Paradiastole comes from the Greek 'para', meaning 'next to' and 'stole', meaning 'dressing up'.

(www.literaryzone.com and www.changingminds.org)


 * Examples** from text:

Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog Notice how Joss Whedon uses the social values of "hero" to put a positive spin on "homelessness."

FEMALE REPORTER

Looks like we’re finding out what a true hero is

MALE REPORTER

The mayor himself will be on hand to dedicate the new homeless shelter and unveil the statue of Captain Hammer.

FEMALE REPORTER

It’s a good day to be homeless.

MALE REPORTER

Ahaha, it certainly is.

2) The Adventure of the Red-Headed League Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (The Strand Magazine, 1891) Here Sherlock Holmes is ironically implying that the man's intelligence is rather deceitful, Holmes infers that the man is using his intelligence as a sign that the something is not right. “Smart fellow, that,” observed Holmes, as we walked away. “He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before.”

Kelli Holland