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Politeness and understatements (14/11/20 20:04:02)
    There are times when politeness and understatements are appropriate, and situations when they are not, just as with rudeness and hyperbole. But somehow understatements have become everyday speech instead of humour.

    I have heard - lots of times (no exaggeration) - that something is difficult - literally meaning that it can be done if one puts enough effort into it. But it isn't always so.

    "Squaring the circle is difficult", one might say. It isn't. It is impossible.

    Or - "you've made a slight mistake, sir, and might wish to turn to the right" (if not, we fall off this cliff) is inappropriate when direct speaking would be: "Turn To The Right Now!"

    Or someone says: "Very good" about something bog standard and commonplace. So - "very good" isn't praise. I'd take it as an insult if I have delivered a really excellent piece of work.

    Keeping the dynamic range of language - to me it is important.
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Politeness and understatements