Final answer:
A statement expressing the opposite of its literal meaning for comedic or sarcastic effect includes rhetorical devices like understatement, hyperbole, and contradictory statements. These are part of figurative language and satire to convey nuanced meanings.
Step-by-step explanation:
A statement that expresses the opposite of the literal meaning of the words, often used for humorous or sarcastic effect, can be described using a few different terms in English. One example is an understatement, which presents something as less significant than it actually is, sometimes for ironic effect. Another term is hyperbole, which is an exaggeration used for rhetorical effect. Lastly, a contradictory statement is when a statement and its opposite are presented together, such as 'My dog is on her bed and my dog is not on her bed,' which creates a contradiction.
These rhetorical devices are commonly found in various forms of figurative language and satire, as they allow authors to convey meanings and critiques in a nuanced and often humorous way. For instance, a character like Humpty Dumpty in 'Through the Looking-Glass' might use contradiction whimsically by insisting that words mean whatever he chooses, defying their conventional meanings. Similarly, by using metaphor or antithesis, writers can create contrast and emphasize different aspects of their subject matter.