Paralipsis
Figures of speechSaying something while claiming not to say it: "needless to mention that…"
Example
"I won't even mention his reputation — everyone knows it."
Paralipsis states precisely what it claims to pass over: "I won't dwell on his past failures," "no need to recall where he comes from." The information lands, doubled with a second message: the speaker wants to appear above what they are nonetheless saying.
It's an orator's figure, elegant bad faith — precious in fiction to characterize hypocrites, lawyers, self-draping narrators. It also creates ironic complicity with readers, who see the device: every paralipsis is a wink over the discourse's shoulder.
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