antiphrasis

noun an·tiph·ra·sis \an-ˈti-frə-səs\

plural an·tiph·ra·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of ANTIPHRASIS

: the usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings (as in “this giant of 3 feet 4 inches”)

Late Latin, from Greek, from anti- + phrasis diction — more at phrase

First Known Use: 1533

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