What are weasel words in propaganda?
“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 are weasel words examples?
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.
What does the term weasel words mean?
Definition of weasel word : a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position.
Is weasel an offensive term?
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.
Why are weasel words used 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 is weasel claim?
Weasel claims represent a form of covert communication and are characterized by the use of deliberately vague and misleading language. In the advertising discourse, this linguistic device helps advertisers to deal with sensitive issues, overcome consumers’ distrust and thus influence their behavior.
What is concrete word?
Concrete words refer to tangible, qualities or characteristics, things we know through our senses. Words and phrases like “102 degrees,” “obese Siamese cat,” and “deep spruce green” are concrete. ABSTRACT: To excel in college, you’ll have to work hard.
What are weasel words and how do they work in advertising?
How do you stop weasel words?
I’ve italicized the weasel words in these examples to make them stand out.
- Delete the weasel word and see if the sentence is still true.
- Make a more specific statement.
- Quantify.
- Use expressive verbs.
- Rewrite based on what you actually believe.
What does weasel out mean?
Definition of weasel out of : to avoid doing (something) by being dishonest, by persuading someone in a clever way, etc. She weaseled out of our agreement.
What is another name for a weasel?
Species
| Scientific name | Common name |
|---|---|
| Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758 | Stoat, Beringian ermine, Eurasian ermine, or short-tailed weasel |
| Mustela eversmanii (Lesson, 1827) | Steppe polecat |
| Mustela haidarum Preble, 1898 | Haida ermine |
| Mustela furo Linnaeus, 1758 | Domestic ferret |