Weasels are
words that equivocate
. They are vague qualifiers like generally, most, and probably that weaken your writing. Writers use weasel words to avoid making direct statements. The term is not new.
What is the weasel words technique?
What Are Weasel Words? “Weasel words” are a colloquial term for words or
phrases used to avoid being forthright
. Weasel words are used when the speaker wants to make it seem like they’ve given a clear answer to a question or made a direct statement, when actually they’ve said something inconclusive or vague.
What’s an example of weasel words?
Examples include the phrases
“some people say”, “most people think”
, and “researchers believe.” Using weasel words may allow one to later deny any specific meaning if the statement is challenged, because the statement was never specific in the first place.
How can we avoid weasel words?
If a statement is true without weasel words,
remove them
. If they are needed for the statement to be true, consider removing the statement. If there is a genuine opinion, make the preface more specific.
What does weasel words mean in advertising?
Weasel words, or phrases, are used in marketing/advertising in order to avoid making a direct statement or promise. I.e. they are
used as a way to say something that legally, or truthfully, cannot be said.
What does weasel words mean in English?
:
a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position
.
Did you know
? Example Sentences Learn More About weasel word.
What is weasel slang for?
A weasel is
a sneaky and sly person
. Your weasel of a friend has a habit of “forgetting” his wallet every time he goes out to dinner with you. You can call someone who cheats and lies a weasel, or you can use the word literally, to refer to the small furry mammal called a weasel.
What is an example of puffery?
Puffery is a statement or claim that is promotional in nature. It’s usually subjective and not to be taken seriously. Examples of these include
claiming that one’s product is the “best in the world”
, or something completely unbelievable like a product claiming to make you feel like you’re in space.
Is fast a weasel word?
Adjectives are a mixed bag — some, like “female”, “upper-middle class,” and “mobile” have a degree of precision and meaning, while others, like “fast” or “cheap” are
weasel words that have no definition
.
How do you eschew weasel words?
If your information is less than conclusive, acknowledge that either in summary or by choosing another argument. But
don’t undercut
your argument with weasel words—empty palliatives such as “to a certain degree,” “it may seem likely that,” or “in some cases.” If your points are weak, they need no additional burdens.
Why do we say weasel out?
To weasel out means
to avoid an obligation
, especially in a sneaky or dishonorable way. The expression was first seen in the early 1900s, and it alludes to the stealthy way a weasel pursues its prey. … If you were trying to catch a weasel, therefore, its agility would undoubtedly allow it to weasel out of the way.
What are examples of euphemism?
- passed away instead of died.
- passed over to the other side instead of died.
- late instead of deceased.
- dearly departed instead of deceased.
- resting in peace for deceased.
- no longer with us instead of deceased.
- departed instead of died.
- passed instead of died.
What are empty phrases?
Empty phrases are
group of words that don’t actually mean anything
. They are verbal filler that distract from and undermine the substance of your writing.
Is being called a weasel bad?
In general, if you call someone a weasel they would probably not be happy – but it is not really an offensive word in itself. You are just saying
they are dishonest
.
What is a bandwagon ad?
What is bandwagon advertising? One of many advertising techniques, bandwagon advertising is
a form of propaganda that uses persuasion in order to convince people to buy a product or service to avoid being left out
.
What puffery mean?
:
exaggerated commendation especially for promotional purposes
: hype.
