doublespeak

[ duhb-uhl-speek ]

noun

1. evasive, ambiguous language that is intended to deceive or confuse.

doublespeak

/ ˈdʌbəlˌspiːk /

noun

1. the practice of using ambiguous language regarding political, military, or corporate matters in a deliberate attempt to disguise the truth

Other Words From

• double·speaker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doublespeak¹

First recorded in 1950–55; double + speak, by analogy with doublethink

Idioms and Phrases

see double talk , def. 2.

Example Sentences

No sophisticated lawyer would rely heavily on any of this doublespeak.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Trump became president in 2017 doublespeak has been playing 24/7 on large and small screens alike.

From Salon

In George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, characters engage in doublespeak, a way of distorting language to obscure its true meaning.

From Salon

Walker proclaimed the law “positively dystopian” and declared it Orwellian “doublespeak.”

From Seattle Times

Some political scientists, outraged by the statement, argued it cloaked antiworker sentiment in doublespeak.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deceive
• misguide
• mislead