Epitrope

Epitrope (e-pi’-tro-pe): A figure in which one turns things over to one’s hearers, either pathetically, ironically, or in such a way as to suggest a proof of something without having to state it. Epitrope often takes the form of granting permission (hence its Latin name, permissio), submitting something for consideration, or simply referring to the abilities of the audience to supply the meaning that the speaker passes over (hence Puttenham’s term, figure of reference). Epitrope can be either biting in its irony, or flattering in its deference.

Him: I see right through you. You’re like a cheap stainned glass window with a used car salesman in the middle smoking a cigar and waving a ten-dollar bill. What is this? What have you got to say? Nothing? Something? Anything? A line of bullshit from here to the dark side of the moon?

Her: Have you ever had an answer? You ask all the questions like I’m supposed to have all the answers. I think you might be accusing me of something pretty bad.

Him: What? Are you from another planet? Do you have your eyes closed? Can’t you see where this is going? What is this, the Yellow Brick Road? Are we in Oz? Where’s the Wicked Witch? Under your bed? What the hell are you up to?

Her: I’m going grocery shopping and stopping at the hardware store to get some glue to glue your mouth shut. Question-time is over Big Boy.

Him: What are you telling me? Did I miss something?

Her: Go to your room and think about it.

Him: Huh?

The “Huh?” put her over the edge. She pushed him down and got him in a hammer-lock on the floor. He was whining in pain. She told him to start using declarative sentences or her brother Nunzio would cut out his tongue. He nodded his head and stuck out his tongue, blew raspberries, and laughed. She called her brother.

He packed his bags. As he went out the door he asked over his shoulder: “Where do you think I’m going?” “To the landfill, scumbag!” she yelled.

Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

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