Circumlocution

Circumlocution involves using unnecessarily wordy and indirect language to describe something that could be expressed more succinctly. It’s often used to evade a question, to be vague intentionally, or to elaborate on a topic.

Instead of saying ‘He’s poor,’ you might say, ‘He finds himself in a financial position that is less than favorable.’

Here’s one from Jack Sparrow in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl:

In public speaking, while clarity and brevity are usually prized, circumlocution can soften the delivery of sensitive information, add a touch of humor, or enhance a character in storytelling by showing pretentiousness or evasiveness.