Eccopsis

Eccopsis is a rhetorical device, specifically a form of litotes, in which the speaker or writer pretends to pass over a topic in silence, while actually mentioning it. It is a way of emphasizing something by claiming to avoid discussing it. The pretense of omission serves to draw attention to the very thing the speaker claims not to be addressing.

The effectiveness of eccopsis lies in its ability to pique the audience's curiosity and encourage them to consider the unmentioned topic. By feigning reluctance to discuss something, the speaker implies that it is either too obvious, too sensitive, or too important to fully articulate.

Eccopsis often uses phrases such as "I won't mention," "Not to dwell on," or "I need not remind you." These phrases are signals that the speaker is about to highlight the very thing they claim to be omitting. This technique can be employed for various purposes, including creating emphasis, conveying sarcasm, or subtly criticizing a subject. It is a powerful tool for rhetorical manipulation and persuasion. The success of eccopsis depends on the speaker's ability to create the illusion of omission while simultaneously highlighting the intended subject.