Figures of Speech
oxymoron
a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction
euphemism
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing "downsizing" as a euphemism for cuts.
paradox
a seemingly absurd or self contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
the key terms
oxymoron,paradox,euphemism,understatement
understatement
the presentation of something as being smaller, a worse, or less important than it actually is a master of English understatement/ to say I am delighted is an understatement.