Tropes of Overstatement/Understatement

Extreme exaggeration beyond literal truth

Deliberate and obvious exaggeration for emphasis or effect, not intended to be taken literally.

Minor thing described with major word — inflated diction

Heightening importance or severity by using a disproportionately stronger word than the situation warrants.

Harsh term replaces neutral one — roughened reference

Deliberate use of a harsh, blunt, or offensive expression in place of a milder or more neutral one. The opposite of euphemism.

Not un-X — double negative as understatement

Affirming something by negating its opposite, often to create an understatement or ironic emphasis.

Minimizing language for something significant

Deliberate understatement that diminishes or belittles the importance of something.

Mild term replaces harsh one — softened reference

Substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be harsh, blunt, or offensive.