Why Do People Say 'Not to Mention' or 'Go Without Saying' When They Actually Mention the Thing?

The common practice of saying 'not to mention' or 'go without saying' when immediately following with the same concept appears to contradict common sense. However, this usage does not necessarily imply irony or deception. Instead, it serves a specific rhetorical and pragmatic function in communication.

Rhetorical Context and Common Usage

The phrase 'not to mention X' is a shorthand for saying 'And that's before you even mention X'. Essentially, it suggests that a previously stated fact or idea is already sufficient evidence for something, and therefore, additional supporting evidence, X, is being provided. It is a way of emphasizing that the added information is beyond what is already apparent or mentioned.

For instance, when discussing the high cost of a trip to Europe, a speaker might say:

This trip to Europe is going to set you back by a few bucks—there’s the cost of the plane ticket not to mention the hotel and meals.

In this context, the speaker is adding supporting evidence (the cost of hotel and meals) to the previously stated cost of the plane ticket to make the point more compelling. Here, the phrase serves to reiterate that the additional cost is significant in addition to the initial expense.

Similarity with Other Phrases

The logic of 'not to mention' is comparable to other phrases like 'let alone' and 'to say nothing of'. These phrases also serve to emphasize additional points. For example:

At the moment, I cannot afford to pay my rent let alone a gym membership.

At the moment, I cannot afford to pay my rent to say nothing of a gym membership.

In these sentences, the negative element in the phrase emphasizes the additional burden or requirement.

Ancient Rhetorical Traditions

The use of phrases like 'not to mention' is not peculiar to the English language. It originates from ancient Greek rhetorical traditions where the concept is known as apophasis, a style of argument that involves pretending to deny something in order to implicitly affirm it. Another related term is paralipsis, which involves mentioning something by saying that you will not mention it.

Historical Example from Literature

A classic example of this technique can be found in Jerome K. Jerome's novel Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog), which frequently employs these rhetorical devices to create emphasis and add comedic effect. For instance:

The view it commands of Cook’s Court at one end not to mention a squint into Cursitor Street and of Coavinses’ the sheriff’s officer’s backyard at the other she regards as a prospect of unequalled beauty.

Here, Jerome uses 'not to mention' to present multiple interesting views within the same sentence, enhancing the description and drawing attention to additional aspects of the landscape.

Conclusion

Understanding the techniques of 'not to mention' and 'go without saying' can help in recognizing and appreciating the nuances of language in both spoken and written communication. Whether used to emphasize additional facts or as a literary device, these phrases add depth to our communication and can enrich our understanding of the English language.

Keyword Usage

English language usage Rhetorical devices Apophasis Paralipsis