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Doublespeak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doublespeak

[ˈdʌbəlˌspiːk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

language use

Doublespeak is a type of euphemistic language that is used to obscure, disguise, or distort the meaning of words and phrases. It often involves the use of jargon or technical language to make something seem less harsh or to deflect attention from unpleasant truths. This term is commonly associated with the manipulation of language in political and corporate settings.

Synonyms

ambiguous language, euphemism, misleading language.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's speech was full of doublespeak.
  • They used doublespeak to downplay the layoffs.
  • Doublespeak can make any adverse situation sound palatable.
  • In reports, doublespeak was evident in the way data was presented.

Translations

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Origin of 'doublespeak'

The term 'doublespeak' originated from the novel '1984' by George Orwell, published in 1949. In this dystopian novel, the government uses a controlled language to limit freedom of thought and make political manipulation easier. The term combines 'doublethink,' which refers to the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously, with 'speak,' illustrating a language aimed at deception. Doublespeak thus emerged as a critique of the distortive use of language in propaganda, particularly in political contexts. Since then, it has been adopted widely to describe vague, evasive, or deceptive language used in many different fields, including business and public relations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,817, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.