double-talk

or dou·ble·talk

[ duhb-uhl-tawk ]

noun

1. speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.
2. deliberately evasive or ambiguous language:

   When you try to get a straight answer, he gives you double-talk.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in double-talk.

verb (used with object)

1. to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.

double talk

noun

1. rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish
2. empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians

Other Words From

• double-talker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double-talk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Why all this double talk and evasion about a hugely enjoyable foray into genre fiction?

From The Daily Beast

Sure, the West Point speech was filled with politics and double talk.

From The Daily Beast

Also, it has some of the elements of modern international diplomacy in its double-talk and duplicity.

From Project Gutenberg

That—that double talk of ours didn't make any impression on that Stohl.

From Project Gutenberg

Chahda walked right up to him, muttering something that was probably Hindu double talk.

From Project Gutenberg

Now they would stall him off about the machines after handing him a fast line of double-talk.

From Project Gutenberg

He'd duck the question or give them some diplomatic double-talk.

From Project Gutenberg