https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimisation_(psychology)
Minimisation is a type of deception[1] involving denial coupled with rationalisation in situations where complete denial is implausible. It is the opposite of exaggeration. Minimisation—downplaying the significance of an event or emotion—is a common strategy in dealing with feelings of guilt.[2] Words associated with minimisation include:
belittling
discounting
downplaying
euphemism
making light of
meiosis
minification
minimise
trivialising
underplaying
understating

>observed in abusers and manipulators to downplay their misdemeanors when confronted with irrefutable facts.
>observed in abusers and manipulators to downplay positive attributes (talents and skills etc.) of their victims.
All of this sounds familiar, for a strange reason.