Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Quote:  "Perhaps they should write their Social Security numbers on their arms with indelible ink."  Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco

Figure of Speech:  apagoresis (ah pah gore EE sis), the "better not" figure

An apagoresis works to talk someone out of doing something.  Blanco uses an ironic version of it--implying that Social Security numbers will help identify the corpses--to dissuade coastal residents from sitting out Hurricane Rita. 

Snappy Answer:  "They should also include their Lotto number.  It beats FEMA debit cards."