Figures of Speech
Anticlimax (Bathos)
Build up then deflate expectations for humorous effect.
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What it is
A rhetorical device that deliberately presents ideas in descending order of importance, moving from significant to trivial matters. Also called bathos, this technique can be used for comedic effect, to deflate tension, or to emphasize the absurdity of a situation by contrasting weighty expectations with mundane reality.
Before & after
Before
“We achieved revenue growth, market expansion, and fixed the printer.”
After
“We revolutionized the industry, transformed customer experience, and... finally fixed the coffee machine.”
When you’ll use it
Crafting persuasive speeches that rely on memorable wording
Writing marketing copy or slogans that stick with the audience
Building literary analyses or commentary on style choices
Pro tip
Build seriously, then drop to the mundane with perfect timing.
Questions & answers
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